Systematic Review: Ask for their pronouns, save their life: Exploring effectiveness of health care competency training as a means of suicide prevention in LGBTQ+ youth (Board#28)

Abstract : Abstract Title: Systematic Review: Ask for their pronouns, save their life: Exploring effectiveness of health care competency training as a means of suicide prevention in LGBTQ+ youth

Objective: This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of LGBTQ+ competency training programs for healthcare professionals and examines the relationship between the training and impact on LGBTQ+ youth suicidality.

Methods: Included quantitative studies assessed LGBTQ+ cultural competency. Searches of six electronic databases yielded 6,317 records and 77 grey literature records (last searched on May 20, 2024), and 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane ROB 2.0 and the Cochrane Robins I tool. Data on study design, sample characteristics, training details and outcomes were extracted following PRISMA guidelines.

Results: Included studies varied: 13 mixed methods, 4 quasi-experimental, 1 randomized controlled trial, and 1 time series. All studies were conducted in western countries and involved healthcare professionals, with varying training formats and durations. Training programs generally improved objective measures of knowledge, skills, and clinical preparedness. However, self-perceived knowledge, attitudes, and comfort levels showed less consistency. Only six studies addressed healthcare workers’ knowledge about LGBTQ+ youth suicidality.

Conclusion: While LGBTQ+ cultural competency training shows improvements in healthcare professionals’ competence, existing studies are limited by methodological flaws such as reliance on self-assessment measures, small sample sizes, and limited long term efficacy data. High attrition rates and variability in assessment tools also impacted reliability of results. Additionally, there is a notable gap in examining how such training impacts suicidality among LGBTQ+ youth. Future research should aim to focus on robust, long term-effectiveness of training on suicide rates and related outcomes in LGBTQ+ youth.

Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant should be able to discuss the impact of LGBTQ+ competency training on healthcare professionals and its effectiveness in reducing suicidality among LGBTQ+ youth.