(1) Gender Neutral Language in a Healthcare Setting (2) 2SLGBTQ+ Education for Radiation Therapists: A Quality Improvement Project

Mozart
Friday, June 02 10:50 - 11:40
Speaker
Paige Lau Paige Lau
Jax Simon Jax Simon
Description:

Gender Neutral Language in a Healthcare Setting [10:50-11:15]
Jax Simon, MRT(T) -Windsor Regional Cancer Program

As the world moves away from the out-dated gender binary, and acceptance of the LGBTQQIA+ community grows, members of the community feel more comfortable being who they are in society. However, many transgender and non-binary people still face barriers when seeking out healthcare. With this comes the importance of cultural competency in educating and familiarizing healthcare providers with different genders, and pronouns patients may identify with, to ensure accurate and affirming care.

Learning and incorporating gender neutral language into daily conversation can prevent the negative impacts of misgendering patients and fellow healthcare professionals.

Learning Objectives:

  • Review different genders people can identify as
  • Discuss the importance of using preferred names and pronouns
  • Discuss the negative impacts of misgendering patients while providing care
  • Identify common gender neutral terms and language to use in the workplace
  • Learn what to do when a mistake is made

This session will be 25 minutes (20 minute presentation with 5 minutes of Q&A)


2SLGBTQ+ Education for Radiation Therapists: A Quality Improvement Project [11:15-11:40]
Paige Lau,MRT(T), MClSc -Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

There is sufficient evidence from existing studies indicating a profound lack of 2SLGBTQ+ education for health care providers, including radiation therapists. In addition to this lack of inclusivity training, studies also indicate that many oncological health care providers want to receive more 2SLGBTQ+ education within their scope of practice. This paucity of education and training contributes to the health disparities, such as lower rates of screening, increased mental health concerns and worse treatment outcomes, experienced by members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The goals of the quality improvement project is to improve cultural awareness and education for radiation therapists to appropriately address the needs and concerns of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals with cancer and their caregivers.

A single-institution needs assessment survey was conducted in order to determine the gaps in education and training of 2SLGBTQ+ knowledge in radiation therapists. Data from this survey was reviewed and included in the objectives of a Sexual and Gender Diversity in Cancer Committee, aiming to improve the experiences of sexual and gender diverse individuals with cancer on a larger scale within our institution. Results from the needs assessment survey are also being used to guide the creation of education material and training workshops for radiation therapy staff members.

The presentation will discuss the needs assessment survey results, the education & training interventions applied, workshop surveys and future directions.

This session will be 25 minutes (20 minute presentation with 5 minutes of Q&A)


Approved for 1 Category A Credit