Impact of a Trauma-Informed Digital Storytelling Continuing Education Module on Health Care Professionals' Attitudes Toward Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals
Background: Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals experience stigma and discrimination that contribute to health inequities. Many health care providers receive limited education on TGD-specific care. This study evaluated the impact of a trauma-informed digital storytelling (DST) continuing education (CE) module on health care professionals' attitudes, beliefs, and comfort regarding the care of TGD individuals. Method: A single-group pre–post study design was conducted with clinicians and allied health staff in a regional health system ( n = 154). Participants completed the Transgender Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (TABS) before and after a 1-hour asynchronous module featuring digital stories from TGD individuals and a parent of a TGD child, plus open-ended reflections. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in Interpersonal Conflict (median increase = 2.5), Sex/Gender Beliefs (median increase = 2.0), and total TABS scores (median increase = 4.5; all p < .001). Conclusion: Trauma-informed DST-based CE is feasible and may promote reflective learning and more inclusive attitudes toward TGD patient care.
Authors
- Nancy Crowell (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8569-4333)
- Melody Wilkinson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8657-5483)
- Karen L. McCrea
- Amy J. Culberston
- Elke J. Zschaebitz
Institutions
- Georgetown University (US)
- University of Virginia Health System (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
- Published
- 2026-08-14
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20260528-01
- Primary Topic
- Digital Storytelling and Education
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00