Caring for LGBTQ Individuals in Occupational Therapy

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About the Course: 
This course provides a broad overview of diversity and inclusivity awareness and cultural competency pertaining to persons who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) for occupational therapy practitioners, which include occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. 

Course Objectives: 
After completing this course, the learner will be able to: 
  • Define the terminology used to describe individuals who identify as LGBTQ; 
  • Identify statistics and health disparities in the LGBTQ population; 
  • Describe special considerations for youth and older adults who identify as LGBTQ; 
  • Name barriers to health care experienced by individuals who identify as LGBTQ; 
  • Discuss the current state of research and advocacy for individuals who identify as LGBTQ within the occupational therapy profession; and 
  • Describe best practices for training staff to care for patients who identify as LGBTQ. 
About the Authors
Elizabeth D. DeIuliis, OTD, OTR/L, is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Duquesne University, where she has been a faculty member for over 10 years. Dr. DeIuliis attended Duquesne University and graduated with a master’s degree in occupational therapy in 2004. In December 2009, she completed a post-professional doctorate of occupational therapy degree at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She continues to practice clinically on a per-diem basis at UPMC Shadyside Hospital within Centers of Rehab Services in Pittsburgh. Dr. DeIuliis has had various leadership roles within academia and the occupational therapy profession, such as serving on the Board of Directors within the Pennsylvania Occupational Therapy Association. She has presented at state, national, and international conferences on topics related to fieldwork education, professionalism, interprofessional education, and teaching methodologies. She has several years of experience in continuing education development for occupational therapists and is currently the occupational therapy education planner for Colibri Healthcare, LLC.

Lisa Simani, MS, APRN, ACNP, is an acute care nurse practitioner, primarily in cardiothoracic surgery. Most recently, she has volunteered as a member of the Pediatric Orthopedic Project, a surgical mission group that provides free surgeries to children in developing countries. Lisa has 20 years of publishing experience and has been a lead author in peer-reviewed articles for print and for web-based continuing nursing education provider companies. In her position as nurse planner for Colibri Healthcare, LLC, she works with the advisory board and subject matter experts to develop evidence-based best practices in continuing education for nurses. In addition, she is also a volunteer blogger with Safe Connections, a domestic violence prevention nonprofit organization in St. Louis, Missouri. Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin, and her master’s degree in nursing from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

How to Receive Credit:
  • Read the entire course online or in print.
  • Depending on your state requirements you will be asked to:
    • Complete a mandatory test (a passing score of 75 percent is required). Test questions link content to learning objectives as a method to enhance individualized learning and material retention.
  • Provide required personal information and payment information.
  • Complete the mandatory Course Evaluation.
  • Print your Certificate of Completion.
Disclosures:
Resolution of Conflict of Interest
The contributors to this course have no conflicts of interest relative to its content. Colibri Healthcare, LLC implemented mechanisms prior to the planning and implementation of the continuing education activity to identify and resolve conflicts of interest for all individuals in a position to control content of the course activity.

Sponsorship/Commercial Support and Non-Endorsement
It is the policy of Colibri Healthcare, LLC not to accept commercial support. Furthermore, commercial interests are prohibited from distributing or providing access to this activity to learners.
 
Disclaimer
The information provided in this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.
©2020: All Rights Reserved. Materials may not be reproduced without the expressed written permission or consent of Colibri Healthcare, LLC. The materials presented in this course are meant to provide the consumer with general information on the topics covered. The information provided was prepared by professionals with practical knowledge of the areas covered. It is not meant to provide medical, legal, or professional advice. Colibri Healthcare, LLC recommends that you consult a medical, legal, or professional services expert licensed in your state. Colibri Healthcare, LLC has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and up to date at the time of printing, but does not represent or warrant that it will apply to your situation or circumstances and assumes no liability from reliance on these materials. Quotes are collected from customer feedback surveys. The models are intended to be representative and not actual customers.