Is the lack of specific lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) healthcare education in medical school a cause for concern? Evidence from a survey of knowledge and practice amongst UK medical students

LGBTQ people frequently report negative healthcare encounters. Medical professionals may inadequately manage LGBTQ health if they haven't received training in this area. An anonymous survey measuring efficacy in LGBTQ-health situations was answered by 166 medical students across all years of a UK university. 84.9% of participants reported a lack of LGBTQ-healthcare education, with deficits in confidence clarifying unfamiliar sexual and gender terms, deciding on which ward to nurse transgender patients, finding support resources, and discussing domestic abuse with LGBTQ patients. Most participants reported they would not clarify gender pronouns or ask about gender or sexual identity in mental health or reproductive health settings. Participants reported infrequently observing doctors making similar inquiries. Participants held positive attitudes towards LGBTQ patients, with attitude scores positively correlating with LGBTQ-terminology knowledge scores (rs = 0.5052, p < 0.01). Addressing gender identity and sexuality issues within medical curricula may remove barriers to accessing healthcare and improve encounters for LGBTQ patients