Assessing the LGBT cultural competency of dementia care providers.

INTRODUCTION

Although dementia risk factors are elevated in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults and are perpetuated by a lack of cultural competency, no known studies have quantified LGBT cultural competency among dementia care providers.

METHODS

Dementia care providers (N = 105) across the United States completed a survey consisting of the 7-point Likert LGBT-Development of Clinical Skills Scale.

RESULTS

Dementia care providers reported very high affirming attitudes (M = 6.67, standard deviation [SD] = 0.71), moderate knowledge (M = 5.32, SD = 1.25), and moderate clinical preparedness (M = 4.93, SD = 1.23). Compared to previously published data, they reported significantly lower knowledge than medical students. There were no differences compared to psychiatry residents.

DISCUSSION

The current state of dementia care providers' LGBT cultural competency has significant, yet modifiable, gaps. Better education, including more LGBT patient exposure, is necessary to improve the care being provided to members of the LGBT community impacted by dementia illness.