Date of Defense

4-19-2021

Date of Graduation

5-2021

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Pamela Wadsworth

Second Advisor

Dawn Smith

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to implement and refine simulations focused on healthcare that were culturally considerate for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. To provide the appropriate care to individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, learning must be a continuous process. Education provided should be evidence based so care can be provided in a culturally considerate manner. The theory of cultural humility guided this applied research. This theory focuses on improved patient outcomes that occur when nursing care is provided within the scope of an individuals’ cultural considerations. The International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) standards of best practice guided the design of this project. It included an interaction between a nurse and a transgender patient. Participants included nursing students. Simulations facilitate learning about changing cultural beliefs and practices. All participants were assessed with the Transgender Attitudes and Belief (TAB) scale, which contained 29 Likert questions, to assess their attitudes and beliefs about transgender individuals. A T-test was used to show that the results were significant changes for the nursing students after the simulation. Their post-test mean TAB sub-scales significantly decreased from the pre-test, indicating less comfort and decreased value of transgender individuals as worth of dignity and respect. The mean sex-gender belief subscale of students significantly increased, indicating an increased tolerance of gender expansiveness.

During the course of this project I was able to collaborate with two classes in the Bronson School of Nursing at Western Michigan University. I was also able to collaborate with the Mother-Baby Unit at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI. Being able to work with nursing students and registered nurses allowed this study to see different perspectives about the topic being researched. The research conducted and information gathered was shared with management at Bronson Methodist Hospital (BMH). The educational poster that was created for this research project was shared on the BMH intranet. Following the completion of the project, the information gathered during this study was shared during the Midwest Nursing Research Society annual conference.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Restricted

Restricted to Campus until

6-7-2022

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