Training Preclerkship Medical Students on History Taking in Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Patients

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to introduce a standardized patient (SP) activity focusing on communication with transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals. Using an SP script, preclerkship medical students obtained medical histories from TGNC SPs, followed by a panel discussion. In total, 126 students participated in the SP encounter for a period of 2 years. After completion, 92.2% of students felt more confident using patient's pronouns and 95.4% indicated improved confidence with the overall experience of taking a history from a transgender patient. This study demonstrated that partnering with local LGBTQ+ community partners can create authentic simulated clinical experiences for preclerkship medical students, improving their confidence in communication and interpersonal skills with TGNC patients.