Objectives/ purpose: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and/or queer (LGBTIQ+) people experience a disproportionate cancer burden and unique psychosocial challenges. However, many healthcare providers lack the training to deliver culturally competent, inclusive care. This project developed and evaluated the LGBTIQ+ Inclusivity Toolkit to improve the capacity of cancer care professionals and systems to support LGBTIQ+ people.
Sample and setting: The Toolkit was co-designed using evidence from the Out with Cancer study, which examined LGBTIQ+ cancer care from the perspective of LGBTIQ+ patients, carers, and healthcare professionals. Development involved partnerships with education technology experts and stakeholders with lived experience.
Procedures: A three-hour online training course was developed with four interactive modules: Understanding Inequity in Cancer Care for LGBTIQ+ People; LGBTIQ+ Basics; Creating Inclusive Environments and Safe Spaces; and Unique Care Considerations for LGBTIQ+ People Experiencing Cancer. The Toolkit provides practical strategies, resource links, and real patient case studies. Evaluation involved online pre- and post-training surveys, as well as semi-structured interviews, assessing confidence, knowledge, intent to change practice, and acceptability.
Results: To date, 36 nursing professionals (mean age 46.9) have completed the evaluation. Confidence working with LGBTIQ+ patients and carers increased after completion of the Toolkit (pre= 19.4% - 41.7%; post= 68.6% - 85.7% agreement with items, p<0.05). Knowledge scores increased (mean difference 1.6 correct items, p<0.001) as did all measures of intent to improve inclusive practice (pre= 2.9% - 25.7%; post= 51.4% - 77.1% agreement with items, p<0.001). Most participants (94.4%) found the training relevant, and 91.7% rated it as appropriate, understandable, and high quality.
Conclusion and clinical implications: The Toolkit offers accessible, evidence-based training for cancer care professionals and will be available publicly in the future. Broad implementation can help healthcare organisations deliver safe, affirming care for LGBTIQ+ people across cancer care pathways.