U.S. Pediatric Residents' Preparedness, Attitudes, and Knowledge in LGBTQ+ Health Care.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate pediatric residents' lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and all sexual and gender diverse (LGBTQ+) care.

Methods: In June 2022, U.S. pediatric residents completed an anonymous online survey including the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender-Development of Clinical Skills Scale (LGBT-DOCSS).

Results: Pediatric residents (n = 78) reported low-to-moderate annual amounts of LGBT curricular hours (3.32 ± 3.17) and LGBT patients (13.84 ± 15.11) as well as low-to-moderate clinical preparedness and knowledge and high positive attitudes. They were significantly less likely to report receiving adequate training and supervision, having experience, and feeling competent in transgender care compared with lesbian, gay, and bisexual care. In general, pediatric residents who reported more LGBT education and LGBT patients also reported higher LGBT-DOCSS scores.

Conclusions: Pediatric residents in this study had substantial shortcomings in LGBTQ+ care. Pediatric programs must increase LGBTQ+ education and LGBTQ+ patient exposure.