Experiences of Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Patients in the Emergency Department and Recommendations for Health Care Policy, Education, and Practice

The experiences of trans (binary and non-binary) patients accessing care in the emergency department: An integrative review

Accessing care in the Emergency Department is often fraught with stress and heightened emotions due to illness or injury, and the complexity of navigating an often busy and overwhelming healthcare setting. For people who identify as trans (binary and non-binary), accessing Emergency Department care is often associated with additional stress or avoided due to fears of discrimination, or previous negative experiences (1). The aim of this integrative review was to identify and review the literature relating to the experiences of trans (binary and non-binary) people accessing Emergency Department care, to guide practice and future research. A structured search process was used to identify 11 articles published between January 2013 and November 2023. These articles were appraised using the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) (2) and included in this review. Utilising the methodology outlined by Whittemore & Knafl (3), a constant comparison analytic approach identified five key themes; 1. emergency department context; 2. interactions with staff and language; 3. health professional knowledge; 4. advocacy; and 5. disclosing trans status. This review identified a perceived lack of competence for healthcare providers to deliver gender affirming healthcare in the Emergency Department due to perceptions of inadequate healthcare provider knowledge, and structural barriers founded on cisgender processes.

Understanding the Association Between Medical Mistrust and Unmet Medical Care Need in Gender and Sexually Diverse People of Color Assigned Female at Birth

Purpose: The present study investigated associations of sexual orientation and/or gender identity-based medical mistrust and racial/ethnic-based medical mistrust, respectively, with unmet medical care need among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or sexually or gender diverse (LGBTQ+) people of color (POC) assigned female at birth (AFAB). We also tested the interaction of the two types of medical mistrust on unmet medical care need. Methods: Participants were 266 LGBTQ+ POC AFAB. Participants completed measures of medical mistrust based on race/ethnicity and LGBTQ+ identity. Unmet medical care need was assessed using the item: "During the past 12 months, was there ever a time where you felt that you needed health care but you didn't receive it?" Multivariate logistic regression models were run with either type of medical mistrust, as well as their interaction, as the predictor and unmet medical care need as the outcome variable. Results: There were no significant main effects of either type of medical mistrust on unmet medical care need. However, there was an interaction between the two types of medical mistrust, such that associations between each type of medical mistrust and unmet medical care needs were stronger at higher levels of the other type of medical mistrust. Racial/ethnic medical mistrust was associated with a greater likelihood of unmet medical needs at high, but not low, levels of LGBTQ+ medical mistrust. Conclusions: Racial/ethnic medical mistrust and LGBTQ+ medical mistrust exacerbate each other's influence on unmet medical care need. These results underscore the need for inclusive clinical practices for LGBTQ+ POC.

Concepts and Approaches in the Management of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Patients

The terms transgender and gender diverse (TGD) describe persons whose gender is different from the sex assigned to them at birth. While TGD persons have experienced a rise in cultural and social visibility in recent decades, they continue to experience significant health inequities, including adverse health outcomes and multiple barriers to accessing medical care. Transgender and gender-diverse persons are at a higher risk for pain conditions than their cisgender counterparts, but research on chronic pain management for TGD persons is lacking. Clinicians from all disciplines must be informed of best practices for managing chronic pain in the TGD population. This includes all aspects of care including history, physical examination, diagnosis, treatment, and perioperative management. Many TGD persons report delaying or avoiding care because of negative interactions with medical practitioners who do not have sufficient training in navigating the specific health care needs of TGD patients. Furthermore, TGD persons who do seek care are often forced to educate their practitioners on their specific health care needs. This paper provides an overview of existing knowledge and recommendations for physicians to provide culturally and medically appropriate care for TGD persons.

Exploring LGBT2Q+ Intracategorical Factors in Mental Health Service Utilization: Differences in Gender Modalities, Sexual Orientations, and Ethnoracial Groups in Canada

LGBT2Q+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two-Spirit, queer, plus) Canadians face minority stressors that lead to higher mental health inequalities such as worse self-reported mental health and increased risk of mental health issues when compared to their heterosexual/straight and cisgender counterparts. However, there are within-group (intracategorical) differences within a community as large as LGBT2Q+ peoples. Guided by the Andersen Model of Healthcare Utilization, we sought to explore intracategorical differences in LGBT2Q+ Canadian predisposing, enabling, and need factors in mental health service utilization within the past year. Using data from the 2020 LGBT2Q+ Health Survey (N = 1542), modified Poisson logistic regression found that more polysexual respondents and trans/gender-diverse respondents were more likely to have utilized mental health services within the past year than their gay, lesbian, and cis male counterparts. As well, compared to White respondents, Indigenous respondents were more likely to have utilized mental health services, while other racialized respondents were associated with less utilization. Backwards elimination of Andersen model of healthcare utilization factors predicting mental health service utilization retained two predisposing factors (ethnoracial groups and gender modality) and two need factors (self-reporting living with a mood disorder and self-reporting living with an anxiety disorder). Results suggest that polysexual, trans and gender-diverse, and racialized LGBT2Q+ peoples have an increased need for mental health services due to increased specific minority stressors that cisgender, White, monosexual peoples do not face. Implications for healthcare providers are discussed on how to improve service provision to LGBT2Q+ peoples.

Addressing the Healthcare Needs of Transgender Youth in the Emergency Department

ABSTRACT

Transgender is a term that refers to individuals who identify with a gender that is different from the sex assigned to them at birth. In addition to gender dysphoria, many transgender youth experience a number of challenges including homelessness, violence, and mental health problems such as suicidality. Although transgender people represent a growing subset of the population, most providers receive very little training specific to the unique healthcare needs of transgender patients. In this CME review article, we define relevant terminology then discuss best practices for clinical encounters involving transgender youth in the emergency department. Finally, we review gender-affirming care including behavioral modifications, hormones, and surgeries for transfeminine and transmasculine individuals.

Delivering transgender-specific knowledge and skills into health and allied health studies and training: a systematic review

Many transgender individuals face inequities, discrimination, and sometimes even a lack of transgender-specific knowledge in health care settings. Educational curricula can address such disparities and help future health professionals to become more knowledgeable, confident, and well-prepared for addressing the needs of transgender individuals. This systematic review aims to summarize current training interventions about care of transgender individuals for health and allied health students, and to analyse the effects of the respective intervention. A total of six databases (Pubmed, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase and SciSearch) were screened for original articles published between 2017 and June 2021. Search terms and eligibility criteria were pre-specified, and after a structured selection process 21 studies were included into further analysis. Extracted data contained information on general study properties, population, design, program format and outcomes of interest. A narrative synthesis was used to summarize detected results. Study quality was assessed for each individual study. A self-developed 18-item checklist combining criteria of two prior published tools was used to assess overall quality of quantitative studies. For qualitative studies a 10-item checklist by Kmet et al. [HTA Initiat, 2004] was applied. Eligible studies were designed for multiple health or allied health profession students, and varied widely regarding program format, duration, content, and assessed outcomes. Almost all (N = 19) interventions indicated improvements in knowledge, attitude, confidence and comfort levels or practical skills concerning care for transgender clients. Major limitations included the lack of long-term data, validated assessment tools, control groups and comparative studies. Training interventions contribute to prepare future health professionals to deliver competent and sensitive care and which may improve the prospective experienced health care reality of transgender individuals. However, currently there is no common consensus about best practice of education. Additionally, little is known about whether detected effects of training interventions translate into noticeable improvements for transgender clients. Further studies are warranted to assess the direct impact of specific interventions in the light of the respective target populations.

Transgender and non-binary patient simulations can foster cultural sensitivity and knowledge among internal medicine residents: a pilot study

Transgender and nonbinary patients face unique healthcare challenges, such as harassment, discrimination, and/or prejudice, at higher rates than their cisgender counterparts. These experiences, or even the fear of these experiences, may push patients to delay or forego medical treatment, thus compounding any existing conditions. Such extraneous issues can be combatted through cultural sensitivity. The authors designed blended education consisting of an online module followed by a live simulation to educate and promote sensitivity. Internal medicine (IM) residents (n = 94) completed the module, which introduced them to transgender community terminology and medical disparities, and ways to incorporate affirming behaviors into their practice. Afterward, they engaged in a simulation with true transgender-simulated patients (SPs) - either trans-masculine, trans-feminine, or non-binary. Residents were expected to conduct a patient interview mirroring an intake appointment. Residents then engaged in a debriefing session with the lead investigator and the SP to reflect on the experience, receive feedback and constructive criticism, and ask questions. After the education, the residents' knowledge significantly increased, t(66) = 3.69, p ≤ 0.00, d = 0.45, and their attitude toward members of the transgender community also increased significantly, t(62) = 7.57, p ≤ 0.00, d = 0.95. Furthermore, nearly all residents (99%) reported the training allowed them to practice relevant skills and was a worthy investment of their time. Nearly half (45%) of the residents who listed changes they will make to their practice pledged to ask patients for their preferred name and pronouns. Most comments were positive (75%), praising the education's effectiveness, expressing gratitude, and reporting increased confidence. Results provided evidence that the education was effective in increasing IM residents' knowledge and attitudes. Further research is needed to investigate the longitudinal effects of this education and to extend the education to a broader audience. The investigators plan to adapt and expand the research to other specialties such as gynecology and emergency medicine.

The Role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Principles in Enhancing the Quality of Urologic Resident Education and Advancing Gender Diverse Care

This article will review the history of trans and gender diverse individuals in the medical field and suggest relevant content and methods to include in a diversity, equity, and inclusion curriculum. The hope is that the inclusion of these methods will help combat the barriers in place to receiving equitable and fair urologic care.

Time ratio disparities among ED patients undergoing head CT

PURPOSE

To assess if patients who underwent head computed tomography (CT) experienced disparities in the emergency department (ED) and if the indication for head CT affected disparities.

METHODS

This study employed a retrospective, IRB-approved cohort design encompassing four hospitals. All ED patients between January 2016 and September 2020 who underwent non-contrast head CTs were included. Furthermore, key time intervals including ED length of stay (LOS), ED assessment time, image acquisition time, and image interpretation time were calculated. Time ratio (TR) was used to compare these time intervals between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 45,177 ED visits comprising 4730 trauma cases, 5475 altered mental status cases, 11,925 cases with head pain, and 23,047 cases with other indications were included. Females had significantly longer ED LOS, ED assessment time, and image acquisition time (TR = 1.012, 1.051, 1.018, respectively, P-value < 0.05). This disparity was more pronounced in female patients with head pain complaints compared to their male counterparts (TR = 1.036, 1.059, and 1.047, respectively, P-value < 0.05). Black patients experienced significantly longer ED LOS, image acquisition time, and image assessment time (TR = 1.226, 1.349, and 1.190, respectively, P-value < 0.05). These disparities persisted regardless of head CT indications. Furthermore, patients with Medicare/Medicaid insurance also faced longer wait times in all the time intervals (TR > 1, P-value < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Wait times for ED head CT completion were longer for Black patients and Medicaid/Medicare insurance holders. Additionally, females experienced extended wait times, particularly when presented with head pain complaints. Our findings underscore the importance of exploring and addressing the contributing factors to ensure equitable and timely access to imaging services in the ED.

Raising voices of 2SLGBTQIA+ patients: The intersection of minority stress and systemic oppression in pharmacy practice

BACKGROUND

Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex, asexual, and other sex, sexual, and gender identities (2SLGBTQIA+) experience minority stress processes in pharmacy settings. Processes may be distal (objective prejudicial events) or proximal (subjective internalized feelings) and lead to delay or avoidance of care. The nature of these experiences in pharmacies and ways to reduce occurrence is largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to characterize 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals' perceived experiences in pharmacies according to the minority stress model (MSM) and to elicit patient-identified individual, interpersonal, and systemic strategies for reducing systemic oppression of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in pharmacy practice.

METHODS

This was a qualitative phenomenological study using semistructured interviews. Thirty-one 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals from the Canadian Maritime provinces completed the study. Transcripts were coded according to domains of the MSM (distal and proximal processes) and the lens of systemic oppression (LOSO) (individual, interpersonal, and systemic factors). Framework analysis was used to identify themes within each theoretical domain.

RESULTS

Distal and proximal minority stress processes were described by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in pharmacy settings. Distal processes included direct and indirect perceived discrimination and microaggressions. Proximal processes included expectation of rejection, concealment, and internalized self-stigma. Nine themes were identified according to the LOSO. Two related to the individual (knowledge and abilities, respect), 2 related to interpersonal relations (rapport and trust, holistic care), and 5 related to systemic factors (policies and procedures, representation and symbols, training/specialization, environment/privacy, technology).

CONCLUSION

Findings support the notion that individual, interpersonal, and systemic strategies can be implemented to reduce or prevent minority stress processes from occurring in pharmacy practice. Future studies should evaluate these strategies to better understand effective ways to improve inclusivity for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in pharmacy settings.

Emergency care considerations for transgender and gender diverse youth: a review to improve health trajectories

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) youth represent a growing subset of pediatric patients who are at increased risk for harmful health outcomes. Consideration of these risks during emergency encounters may decrease these undesired, sometimes fatal, adverse events.

RECENT FINDINGS

Gender affirmative care of TGD youth is considered a basic healthcare right as noted by several academic societies including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and the American Psychological Association [1-3] ( Table 1 ). Withholding gender affirmative care can lead to undesired health outcomes including but not limited to an increased incidence of mood disorders, self-injurious behavior, suicidal ideation, sexually transmitted diseases, and delayed presentations of treatable illness. TGD youth often access acute care settings, yet many feel apprehensive due to prior negative experiences or fear of discrimination. Practitioners are also often unaware as to how to effectively provide this type of healthcare.

SUMMARY

Acute care settings provide a unique and impactful environment to provide evidence-based, gender-affirming care that can make patients feel validated, mitigate future care avoidance, and minimize negative downstream health effects. In this review, we have consolidated high yield health considerations regarding TGD youth for acute care and emergency providers to deliver optimal care for this population.

Prevalence and correlates of experiencing drug-related discrimination among people who use drugs presenting at emergency department at high risk of opioid overdose

Objectives

Our objective is to determine if specific sociodemographic characteristics were associated with perceived drug-related discrimination among people who use drugs (PWUD) presenting for care in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Navigator trial, a randomized control trial of two behavioral interventions in the ED for people at risk of an opioid overdose. Participants included adult patients presenting to two Rhode Island EDs. Eligible participants included those high risk for an opioid overdose, resided or received most of their healthcare in Rhode Island, and were able to provide consent. The primary outcome of this analysis was self-reported feelings of drug-related discrimination by the medical community. The independent variables of interest included race/ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Log-binomial multivariable regression models were constructed with all three independent variables of interest and a selection of sociodemographic covariates.

Results

Of 620 eligible participants, 251 (40.5%) reported ever experiencing drug-related discrimination in their lifetime. In the adjusted model, participants who identified as women and participants who identified as LGBQIA+ were more likely to report experiencing drug-related discrimination from the medical community in EDs. Racial/ethnic minority groups were less likely than White (non-Hispanic) participants to report drug-related discrimination.

Discussion

In this study population, White participants reported more drug-related discrimination than their minority counterparts, although female and LGBQIA+ patients reported more discrimination. Future studies should further assess the significance of these intersecting identities on self-reported discrimination. This knowledge could improve ED-based interventions, policies, and services for PWUD.

Barriers and enablers to culturally safe care for trans and gender-diverse people in hospital emergency departments: a scoping review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to identify barriers and enablers to the provision and accessibility of culturally safe care to trans and gender-diverse patients in the emergency department.

INTRODUCTION

Emergency departments have a unique role in creating patient experiences that influence positive or negative health outcomes. It is vital that emergency departments provide equitable experiences for all patients regardless of gender. Culturally safe care aims to support inclusive, effective, and appropriate care for trans and gender-diverse patients. Identifying the reported barriers and enablers to culturally safe care for trans and gender-diverse people in emergency departments will support knowledge users to advocate for and implement improvements to care.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

This review will consider studies that describe barriers and enablers of accessing culturally safe care in emergency departments reported by trans and gender-diverse people, their families/loved ones, as well as health care workers involved in the provision of care. English-language published and gray literature sources from January 1, 2000, to the present from all countries will be eligible.

METHODS

The review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Database searches of MEDLINE, Emcare, Embase, ScienceDirect, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ProQuest will be undertaken. Data will be presented in tabular format or graphs, with an accompanying narrative summary.

Reducing Adult Transgender Barriers to Care in the Emergency Department: Strategies to Improve Policies and Practices

The Research to Practice column is intended to improve the research critique skills of the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and the emergency department (ED) registered nurse (RN) and to assist with translating research into practice. In this column, we review a recent qualitative research study by M. Allison, S. Marshall, G. Stewart, M. Joiner, C. Nash, and M. Stewart (2021) titled "Experiences of Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Patients in the Emergency Department and Recommendations for Health Care Policy, Education, and Practice" with discussion of how their findings can be applied to inform providers how to deliver appropriate care of transgender patients within the ED.

Disparities in Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Conditions

Mental and behavioral health conditions are common among children and adolescents in the United States. The purpose of this state-of the-art review article is to describe inequities in mental and behavioral health care access and outcomes for children and adolescents, characterize mechanisms behind the inequities, and discuss strategies to decrease them. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these inequities is essential to inform strategies to mitigate these health disparities. Half of United States children with a treatable mental health disorder do not receive treatment from a mental health professional. Children and adolescents in racial, ethnic, sexual, sex, and other minority groups experience inequities in access to care and disparities in outcomes for mental and behavioral health conditions. Suicide rates are nearly twice as high in Black compared to White boys 5 to 11 years old and have been increasing disproportionately among adolescent Black girls 12 to 17 years old. Children identifying as a sexual minority have >3 times increased odds of attempting suicide compared to heterosexual peers. Adverse experiences of children living as part of a minority group, including racism and discrimination, have immediate and lasting effects on mental health. Poverty and an uneven geographic distribution of resources also contribute to inequities in access and disparities in outcomes for mental and behavioral health conditions. Strategies to address inequities in mental and behavioral health among United States children include investing in a diverse workforce of mental health professionals, improving access to school-based services, ensuring equitable access to telehealth, and conducting quality improvement with rigorous attention to equity.

She came to me for care, why would I say no? Survey results of advanced practice nurses caring for transgender and gender diverse patients

BACKGROUND

Literature has recognized deficient knowledge of transgender or gender diverse (TGD) patient needs that can negatively affect health care. Prior research on education has shown little progress responsive to TGD health care needs from nursing. Findings from this demonstrate some improvement, however slight. This study examined the education of family nurse practitioners (FNPs) providing care to TGD patients.

PURPOSE

The purposes of this study were to describe the relationship between location of practice and TGD patient care and to identify emerging themes related to the care of TGD individuals.

METHODS

Surveys were sent to 3,500 FNPs. Surveys were completed by 356.

RESULTS

No significant results were found between location of practice and TGD patient care or between location of education and TGD curricular inclusion. Statistical significance was found between inclusion of TGD content and participants' year of graduation. Those graduating in or after 2011 were more likely to report receiving content. Themes emerged in four areas related to practice area, role, location, and education. This study highlights inadequacy of curricular inclusion of TGD health needs. Findings underscored ways FNPs sourced best practices to provide health care to TGD people.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

These findings provide additional support for the need to educate FNPs to reduce barriers for TGD persons in accessing affirming health care.

Emergency care of LGBTQIA+ patients requires more than understanding the acronym

Emergency physicians (EPs) frequently deliver care to members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the emergency department. This community suffers from many health disparities important to understand as part of comprehensive care, and these disparities are infrequently discussed in emergency medicine education. Previous data also suggest a need for broader education to increase the comfort of EPs caring for LGBTQIA+ patients. A group of content experts identified key disparities, opportunities for expanded education, and strategies for more inclusive care of LGBTQIA+ patients.