Creating Inclusive and Culturally Competent Healthcare for the LGBTQ+ Community: A Curriculum

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, etc. (LGBTQ+) population is growing in America and in recent years has shown an increase in equal rights and societal acceptance (Newport, 2018). However, despite the positive changes that have been made, the LGBTQ population is still underserved in healthcare and faces health disparities (Dean, Victor, & Grimes, 2016; Institute of Medicine, 2011). This may be due to the fact that medical professionals receive little to no education regarding LGBTQ care, which can result in misconceptions, discomfort, and use of microaggressions towards the population. (Beagan, Chiasson, Fiske, Forseth, Hosein, Myers, & Stang, 2013; Utamsingh, Kenya, Lebron, & Carrasquillo, 2017). The research and education that is presented for healthcare professionals on the LGBTQ population is limited, and there are limited resources for healthcare professionals to use to increase their knowledge and cultural competence on the population. Because of these issues, an extensive literature review was conducted to address the following: 1) LGBTQ terms and definitions; 2) demographics; 3) identified healthcare disparities; 4) national initiatives and policies; and 5) occupational therapy’s role when working with LGBTQ clients. In addition, the director of the Pride Center at the University of North Dakota was consulted to gain information and resources regarding the population. The result of this scholarly project is a curriculum that can be utilized by health programs to facilitate learning opportunities for students to increase cultural competency with the LGBTQ population in a safe learning environment. It is important to address these issues at the educational level, so healthcare students feel comfortable and are educated on the population prior to entering the workforce

Evolution of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History of Diane Norell, MSW, OTR/L

This life history is one of 31 life history interviews which are part of a larger project, Life Histories of Individuals Who Have Been Influential In Developing Occupational Therapy (OT) In North Dakota and Wyoming. The purpose of the project is to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) practice in North Dakota and Wyoming through life history of individuals who have been influential in developing OT in these two states. It is anticipated that the life history process will be a powerful way to gather this information. This study is intended to provide current and future generations of occupational therapists a view of the history and how occupational therapy practice has evolved from its inception to current practice in North Dakota and Wyoming.https://commons.und.edu/ot-oral-histories-posters/1045/thumbnail.jp

Evolution of Occupational Therapy Practice: Life History of Diane Norell, MSW, OTR/L

The purpose of this study was to gather information about the history and evolution of occupational therapy (OT) through the life history of Diane Norell, MSW, OTR/L, who has been influential in developing OT through her practice. The researchers conducted a semi-structured, one-and-a-half-hour phone interview with Diane. The interview was audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The Kawa model was used to guide the research. Data analysis and a document review of Diane’s curriculum vitae (CV) were done to develop codes. From those codes, the categories of personal life, professional life, healthcare, and academia were developed along with corresponding themes and a final assertion. Through the data analysis, the researchers developed the assertion that despite the constant changes and challenges of the field, Diane has become a successful occupational therapy practitioner, researcher, and professor by staying true to her values of mental health, research, and family