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Kahn NF, Asante PG, Guler J, Reyes V, Anan Y, Bocek K, Kidd KM, Richardson LP, Christakis DA, Pratt W, Sequeira GM. Caregiver perspectives on receiving gender-affirming care with their transgender and gender diverse adolescents via telemedicine. LGBTQ+ FAMILY : AN INTERDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL 2024; 20:190-200. [PMID: 38721330 PMCID: PMC11075659 DOI: 10.1080/27703371.2024.2317139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Telemedicine may help improve access to gender-affirming care for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adolescents. Parents or guardians (i.e., caregivers) of TGD adolescents play a critical role in supporting TGD adolescents in accessing this care. The purpose of this study was to explore caregivers' perspectives regarding their adolescent receiving pediatric gender-affirming care via telemedicine to help providers and health systems optimize this modality for future care delivery. Caregivers (n=18) of TGD adolescents ages 14-17 participated in semi-structured, individual interviews that were transcribed and analyzed qualitatively. Caregivers cited participating in visits from their home environment, decreased anxiety, COVID safety, ability to have more family members attend, no transportation demands, and effective delivery of care as advantages of telemedicine. Disadvantages included dysphoria or discomfort with self-image, impersonal provider-patient interactions, video teleconferencing fatigue, difficulty with portal navigation, connectivity issues, and lack of privacy. Caregivers largely deferred to their child's preference regarding the choice of visit modality, but many reported a preference for the first to be conducted in-person, and follow-up and less complex visits via telemedicine. Health systems should consider these perspectives as they adapt telemedicine infrastructure to better meet the needs of patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole F Kahn
- Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Peter G Asante
- Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jessy Guler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Valentino Reyes
- Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Yomna Anan
- Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kevin Bocek
- Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kacie M Kidd
- Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Laura P Richardson
- Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Dimitri A Christakis
- Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Wanda Pratt
- The Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gina M Sequeira
- Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Ziegler E, Carroll B. Primary care in Northern Ontario for transgender people in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative secondary analysis. J Nurs Scholarsh 2024; 56:76-86. [PMID: 37415313 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine changes to primary care practice for transgender clients resulting from government mandated public health measures in response to COVID-19 in Northern Ontario. DESIGN Secondary analysis of qualitative data using interview transcripts from a dataset that included 15 interviews conducted between October 2020 and April 2021. METHODS The dataset came from a convergent mixed method study exploring the delivery of primary care services to transgender individuals in Northern Ontario. Qualitative interviews with primary care practitioners including nurse practitioners, nurses, physicians, social workers, psychotherapists, and pharmacists providing care for transgender people in Northern Ontario were included in the secondary analysis. RESULTS Fifteen primary care practitioner providing care to transgender individuals in Northern Ontario participated in the parent study. Practitioners described their understanding of the effect of the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic changes on their practice and the care experience for their transgender patients. Two themes were identified and described by participants: (1) a change in the delivery of care; and (2) barriers and facilitators to care. CONCLUSIONS Practitioners' primary care experiences in the early waves of COVID suggest the integral use of telehealth in Northern Ontario transgender care. Nurses working in advance practice and nurse practitioners are essential in providing continuity of care for their transgender clients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE/SIGNIFICANCE Identification of initial practice changes for the primary care of trans people will illuminate avenues for further research. The urban, rural, and remote practice settings in Northern Ontario provide an opportunity for increasing access for gender diverse people in these areas and for developing increased understanding of uptake of telemedicine practice. Nurses are integral to primary care for transgender patients in Northern Ontario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Ziegler
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Sigma Lambda Pi at Large Chapter, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin Carroll
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Kahn NF, Anan YH, Bocek KM, Christakis DA, Richardson LP, Pratt W, Sequeira GM. Understanding Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth's Experiences Receiving Care via Telemedicine: Qualitative Interview Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2023; 6:e42378. [PMID: 36745775 PMCID: PMC10055384 DOI: 10.2196/42378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to virtual care has increased since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, yet little is known about transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth's experiences and perspectives on receiving care via telemedicine. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore these experiences to (1) inform necessary changes to the provision of pediatric gender-affirming care and (2) help providers and health systems determine if and how telemedicine should be made available post pandemic. METHODS Youth (aged 14-17 years) who completed a telemedicine visit in the Seattle Children's Gender Clinic were invited to participate in a semistructured interview exploring perceived advantages or disadvantages of telemedicine and preferred visit modalities. Interview transcriptions were analyzed by 2 research team members using an inductive thematic analysis framework. RESULTS A total of 15 TGD youth completed an interview. Commonly cited advantages of telemedicine were convenience and comfort with having visits in their own environments. Reported disadvantages included technical issues, discomfort with the impersonal nature, lack of familiarity with the platform, and privacy concerns. Overall, slightly more youth preferred in-person visits over telemedicine, referencing both specific characteristics of the clinical visit (ie, initial vs return and complexity) and proximity to the clinic as reasons for this preference. Although a plurality of TGD youth preferred in-person visits, they also recognized the value of telemedicine and the impact it may have in facilitating access to care. CONCLUSIONS Given the variations in needs and visit complexity, our study supports the provision of both in-person and telemedicine modalities as options for pediatric gender-affirming care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole F Kahn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States.,Division of Adolescent Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States.,Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Yomna H Anan
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kevin M Bocek
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Dimitri A Christakis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States.,Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Laura P Richardson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States.,Division of Adolescent Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States.,Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Wanda Pratt
- The Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Gina M Sequeira
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States.,Division of Adolescent Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States.,Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
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Mintz LJ, Gillani B, Moore SE. Telehealth in Trans and Gender Diverse Communities: the Impact of COVID-19. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 11:75-80. [PMID: 35463051 PMCID: PMC9016376 DOI: 10.1007/s13669-022-00334-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This paper synthesizes current knowledge regarding telehealth and the impact of the SARS-COV2 pandemic on transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients. We discuss the benefits and challenges of telehealth for patients, providers, and trainees. Recent Findings Mental health of TGD populations has been disproportionately challenged in the context of SARS-COV2, and telehealth interventions focused on gender affirmation and mental health are desired and acceptable by TGD populations. Summary Telehealth in the era of SARS-COV-2 has a mixed impact on TGD patients and families, increasing access, decreasing travel time, and allowing for comfort and safety during care while also leaving gaps in care for patients without web/phone access and/or without a confidential place to participate in appointments, or to manage health concerns that require in-person evaluation. Providers have benefitted from the ability to reach TGD patients that are far from practice sites and to provide remote consultation for procedures and other interventions. Trainees have challenges as a result of telehealth practice which can impair the ability to learn in-person care, but have benefitted from remote training opportunities, including surgical training. Alterations in compensation structures have allowed sustainable telehealth practice to be an option for providers and health systems. As telehealth evolves, quality improvement and research efforts aimed at resolving known challenges and expanding beneficial uses of telehealth should consistently include and consider not only the beneficiaries of telehealth but also those who may struggle with access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J. Mintz
- CWRU, School of Medicine, 9501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44144 USA
- Population Health Research Institute, Internal Medicine-Pediatrics, MetroHealth, 2500 Metrohealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
| | - Braveheart Gillani
- Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, CWRU Cleveland, Cleveland, OH 44144 USA
- Center for Health Integration, CWRU Cleveland, Cleveland, OH 44144 USA
| | - Scott E. Moore
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, CWRU Cleveland, Cleveland, OH 44144 USA
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Renner J, Täuber L, Nieder TO. Need for Inclusive Consideration of Transgender and Gender Diverse People in E-Health Services: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:1090. [PMID: 35207359 PMCID: PMC8880545 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Many transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people use the internet to find ways out of isolation, network, and share information on health-related topics. Thus, e-health services could reduce the health burden of TGD people and facilitate access to health care. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review on e-health approaches that could improve trans health care (i.e., services directly for TGD people or training programs for health care professionals, HCPs) and their effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and PubPsych databases for publications from January 2000 to June 2021 with final updates before publication. The systematic review identified e-health services across 27 studies from 8 different countries. Few studies evaluated e-health services exclusively for TGD people. However, use of an e-health service was found to be effective and beneficial: TGD people improved in health-related outcomes, and HCPs improved in professional expertise. Service users find e-health services helpful and easy to integrate into their daily lives. Recommendations for further development of e-health services in trans health care are provided. In the future, given the rapidly evolving e-health research and care field, new treatment approaches for TGD people should be subject to ongoing evaluation and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis Renner
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (L.T.); (T.O.N.)
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Radix AE, Bond K, Carneiro PB, Restar A. Transgender Individuals and Digital Health. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:592-599. [PMID: 36136217 PMCID: PMC9493149 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00629-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this review is to assess the use of digital technologies to promote the health and well-being of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people. RECENT FINDINGS TGD individuals experience numerous health disparities, including low uptake of HIV prevention strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, increased HIV incidence, and suboptimal HIV-related outcomes. These health disparities are the result of widespread intersectional stigma on the basis of gender identity, gender expression, socioeconomic class, race, and ethnicity, which negatively impact access to general medical and transgender-specific health care. TGD individuals often delay or avoid essential medical services due to fear of discrimination. Clinicians frequently lack training, competence, and skills in transgender medicine, further exacerbating the health disparities faced by TGD people. Digital technologies have been used to improve research and clinical care for TGD populations through various modalities; telemedicine, telehealth and mHealth. Digital health technologies, including HIT-enabled clinical decision support, telehealth, telemedicine, and mHealth, offer innovative ways to improve health care access, improve quality of care, and reduce health disparities for TGD populations, including and beyond HIV outcomes, through enhanced care delivery, clinician education, and enhancing social support networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asa E. Radix
- Department of Medicine, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York, NY USA ,NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Keosha Bond
- Community Health & Social Medicine, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Pedro B. Carneiro
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, City University of New York, New York, NY USA
| | - Arjee Restar
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
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