The training of Medical students to health care of LGBTI+ people

Abstract

Introduction: Brazil national public policy for the comprehensive healthcare of the LGBTi+ population consists of several guidelines and plans that include the training of health professionals. Through actions and strategies, it aims to minimize the effects of gender and sexuality discrimination on this historically marginalized population. Studies were found that show a lack of specific hours for gender and sexuality, a lack of transversality of the LGBTI+ topic and a lack of addressing the socioeconomic, political and racial aspects of LGBTI+ health in the curricula of Faculties of Medicine in Brazil and in the world. Objective: To compare the perception between admittedly LGBTI+ students and heterosexual students regarding the training of medical students on the health of sexual and gender minorities. Methodology: An in-depth qualitative study was carried out through two focus groups: one with LGBTI+ students and the other with non-LGBTI+ students. In addition, a semi-structured questionnaire was also applied. The analysis was made through the analysis of Spink’s Discursive Practices. Result: Current problems were identified: low number of programmatic hours on the topic; lack of transversality; addressing the topic through a pejorative and prejudiced look; association of LGBTI+ people with infectious or psychiatric diseases; lack of addressing socioeconomic, cultural and racial aspects; Primary Care as a space of greater openness to fight against the cisheteronormative hegemony; Conclusion: LGBTI+ health education is still insufficient, as students feel unprepared to address the issue of gender and sexuality, which directly impacts the healthcare of this population. Additionally, further studies on medical education in LGBTI+ health are needed.