Staff attitudes and beliefs around LGBTQ issues at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario

Introduction: Pediatric specialty hospitals may be experiencing increases in the number of lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and queer (LGBTQ) patients and parents seen. There is no published information on the attitudes, beliefs and information needs of the broad range of staff and physicians that provide care in a hospital context, although recent surveys have considered individual professional groups. We undertook such a hospital-wide survey to assess the climate and information needs of care providers. Methods: A web-based survey was opened to all staff and physicians at a tertiary care pediatric hospital in Ottawa, Canada in June 2013. Results: 315 completed surveys were analyzed. Most respondents identified as heterosexual and none identified as transgender. Approximately half were directly involved in patient care. Approximately 90% were fully comfortable around LGBTQ patients and coworkers and most felt the hospital provided fair and equitable care for all. LGBTQ-identified respondents were somewhat less positive about the climate than heterosexual respondents, and front line staff less positive than managers. Many respondents identified knowledge deficits and were receptive to additional training. Conclusions: In the context of a socially and legally liberal jurisdiction, most pediatric hospital staff are accepting of LGBTQ clientele and co-workers while some identify areas where knowledge and skill could be improved and are willing to undergo additional training in working with LGBTQ clientele. Survey results can inform policy and procedural changes as well as training initiatives.