COMMUNITY-BASED PEDIATRIC PROVIDERS ON MEETING THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF LGBTQ+ IDENTIFYING YOUTH: A FOCUS GROUP

Abstract

LGBTQ+ youth are an increasingly at-risk population due to health disparities such as increased risk of adversity, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, homelessness, violence, substance use, obesity, disordered eating, and sexually transmitted infections. Yet there is a gap in graduate pediatric provider education to address the unique needs of this population. To learn more about this gap, we conducted a focus group of currently practicing pediatric providers. Analysis of transcripts was then conducted using a content and thematic analysis and prior literature review. Through this, we identified an overarching theme of LGBTQ+ patient wellbeing supported by three domains: 1) Increasing At-Risk Population 2) Inclusive Institutions 3) Empowering Pediatric Providers. The three domains were supported by 10 facilitators and 11 barriers, with these barriers being even greater in rural communities. This, in conjunction with previous literature, enabled us to propose directions for future educational interventions. Further research in additional clinical settings is needed to confirm conclusions present.