A Novel Intervention to Improve Care for Older Sexual and Gender Minority Adults With Serious Illness and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new training program designed to improve communication by hospice staff with older sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients, especially those living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). This is important because SGM older adults often face unequal end-of-life care, and lack of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data can negatively affect their support and care. The study focuses on developing person-centered communication that includes SOGI data collection to enhance care for these patients and their caregivers. The intervention involves training hospice interdisciplinary team staff to sensitively collect and use SOGI information during communication with SGM patients and caregivers. This training aims to promote authentic and inclusive end-of-life care. The study will pilot test the training for feasibility, acceptability, and staff satisfaction, refining the content and delivery over several years. Participants in this study will be involved in evaluating barriers and preferences in communicating SOGI data, training content, and delivery. Staff will be assessed for their ability to implement the training and its feasibility. Researchers will measure attitudes toward SOGI-informed care, sources of bias, and ongoing engagement. The study will last multiple years, focusing on improving hospice care quality for SGM older adults, with particular attention to those affected by ADRD.

Intervention to Collect and Utilize Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Information in Hospice