Pilot Feasibility Study: Nurses' Preparedness to Care for Racialized Gender-Diverse People

Abstract

The nursing profession perpetuates an outdated model that fails to address the health concerns of racialized gender-diverse people. Evidence supports that this population experiences poorer health outcomes, care-avoiding habits, and incompetent healthcare providers. A literature review illuminated gaps in the nursing lens when considering gender-diverse identities outside of Whiteness. An intersectionality framework and cultural humility were used to explore the contexts in which nurses provide care. To fill this knowledge gap, the proposed research question was: How prepared are nurses to provide care to racialized gender-diverse people? A questionnaire was developed by modifying three pre-existing instruments. The online questionnaire served as a pilot feasibility study to collect preliminary baseline descriptive cross-sectional data about Ontario nurses' training, education, knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about racialized gender-diverse people. Findings indicated potential gaps in training and education that may affect racialized gender-diverse peoples' healthcare. Recommendations are provided for future research and interventions.