Publication Date
10-8-2024
Journal
JMIR Medical Education
DOI
10.2196/59009
PMID
39152652
PMCID
PMC11496915
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
10-8-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Humans, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Male, Sexuality, Curriculum, Adult, Education, Medical, Israel, Surveys and Questionnaires, Middle Aged, Attitude of Health Personnel, Awareness, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, gender medicine, medical education, clinical practice, gender-sensitive care, gender awareness, sexuality awareness, awareness, medical education and practice, healthcare, patient outcomes, patient, patients, medical professionals, training, educational interventions, status-based, survey, effectiveness, medical workforce
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The integration of gender and sexuality awareness in health care is increasingly recognized as vital for patient outcomes. Despite this, there is a notable lack of comprehensive data on the current state of physicians' training and perceptions in these areas, leading to a gap in targeted educational interventions and optimal health care delivery.
OBJECTIVE: The study's aim was to explore the experiences and perceptions of attending and resident physicians regarding the inclusion of gender and sexuality content in medical school curricula and professional practice in Israel.
METHODS: This cross-sectional survey targeted a diverse group of physicians across various specializations and experience levels. Distributed through Israeli Medical Associations and professional networks, it included sections on experiences with gender and sexuality content, perceptions of knowledge, the impact of medical school curricula on professional capabilities, and views on integrating gender medicine in medical education. Descriptive and correlational analyses, along with gender-based and medical status-based comparisons, were used, complemented, and enhanced by qualitative analysis of participants' replies.
RESULTS: The survey, encompassing 189 respondents, revealed low-to-moderate exposure to gender and sexuality content in medical school curricula, with a similar perception of preparedness. A need for more comprehensive training was widely recognized. The majority valued training in these areas for enhancing professional capabilities, identifying 10 essential gender-related knowledge areas. The preference for integrating gender medicine throughout medical education was significant. Gender-based analysis indicated variations in exposure and perceptions.
CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights a crucial need for the inclusion of gender and sexuality awareness in medical education and practice. It suggests the necessity for curriculum development, targeted training programs, policy advocacy, mentorship initiatives, and research to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. The findings serve as a foundation for future directions in medical education, aiming for a more inclusive, aware, and prepared medical workforce.
Included in
Critical Care Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, Health Services Research Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Interprofessional Education Commons, Medical Sciences Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Pediatrics Commons