"It's kind of hard to go to the doctor's office if you're hated there." A call for gender-affirming care from transgender and gender diverse adolescents in the United States

Teaching and Learning About the Transgender Population: Student Reflections

BACKGROUND

Decreasing the disparities in health care for transgender people requires nursing to expand its knowledge base about the population. There is limited research and information about curricula integration inclusive of this population, yet much is written about the gap in nursing knowledge and education. There may be insufficient opportunities to expose students to the population as patients; therefore, creative education strategies are necessary.

METHOD

An innovative multimodal education process was implemented in an urban university setting to expose undergraduate nursing students to the population. Lecture, video, live testimonial, and panel discussion were used. Class reflections and survey data revealed three qualitative narrative reflections.

RESULTS

Students reported awareness of how to improve their interactions with this population, appreciation for the experience, and meaningfulness of the experience.

CONCLUSION

The experience brought students closer to understanding the need in providing equitable and appropriate care. Multiple modes of teaching were successful in the affective learning domain. More research in ways to enhance nursing education is necessary. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(X):XXX-XXX.].

Perioperative Patient-Initiated Communication in Gender-Affirming Mastectomy

Background: Gender-affirming mastectomy (GAM) improves the psychosocial functioning and quality of life of transgender and non-binary (TGNB) individuals. However, the perioperative period is often marked by emotional stress, concerns about surgical outcomes, and physical discomfort. While inpatient procedures provide multiple opportunities to engage with and educate patients, outpatient surgeries, such as GAM, pose a unique challenge as patients are followed for <24 h postoperatively. Given the heightened emotional and psychological distress related to gender dysphoria TGNB individuals often experience, addressing these gaps can significantly improve outcomes. This study aims to characterize patient and surgical characteristics associated with patient-initiated communication (PIC) frequency in this population. Methods: A single-center retrospective review of TGNB patients undergoing GAM from February 2018 to November 2022 was conducted. Demographics, surgical characteristics, and frequency of and reasons for perioperative PIC (30 days before and after surgery) were recorded. The primary outcome was the incidence of perioperative PIC. The secondary outcomes included (1) the rationale for PIC and (2) patient and surgical characteristics associated with PIC. Results: A total of 352 patients were included. Of these, 285 (74.6%) initiated communication in the perioperative period, totaling 659 PICs. The median age was 25.0 (interquartile range [IQR]: 9.0) years. The median body mass index (BMI) was 28.5 (IQR: 8.5) kg/m2. The mean number of PICs was 0.7 ± 1.3 preoperatively and 1.3 ± 1.7 postoperatively (p < 0.001). The most frequent preoperative PIC subjects were administrative issues (AI; n = 66, 30.7%), preoperative requirements (n = 43, 20.0%), and cost and insurance (n = 33, 15.0%). The most frequent postoperative PIC subjects were wound care (n = 77, 17.3%), AI (n = 70, 15.0%), activity restrictions (n = 60, 13.5%), drainage (n = 56, 12.6%), and swelling (n = 37, 8.3%). Collectively, older patients (β = 0.234, p = 0.001), those with a history of major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder (2.4 ± 3.0 vs. 1.7 ± 1.9; p = 0.019), and those without postoperative drains (n = 16/17, 94.1% vs. n = 236/334, 70.7%; p = 0.025) engaged in higher levels of PIC. There were no significant associations between other patient characteristics, perioperative details, or complications and PIC frequency. Conclusions: Perioperative PIC is prevalent among the majority of GAM patients at our institution, with age, psychiatric diagnosis, and postoperative drain use identified as significant predictors. To mitigate PIC frequency, it is crucial to ensure adequate support staffing and provide comprehensive postoperative instructions, particularly concerning activity restrictions and drainage management. These interventions may reduce PICs in high-volume centers. Further research should investigate targeted interventions to further support TGNB patients during the perioperative period.

Provision of gender affirming care among medical and allied health practitioners: The influence of transnormative beliefs in working with gender diverse patients

Gender diverse patients (including gender diverse, transgender, and non-binary people) deserve quality health care, which has been referred to as gender affirming care. Given that practitioners' attitudes and competence can influence their provision of gender affirming care, this study used a lens of transnormativity (Bradford & Syed, 2019; Johnson, 2016) to develop a measure of practitioners' transnormative beliefs. The aim of the study was to determine if these beliefs were related to practitioners' gender affirming attitudes and perceptions of competence in gender affirming practice. Survey data were collected from Australian medical and allied health practitioners (N = 95). Exploratory factor analysis was applied to items measuring transnormative beliefs, with the results supporting three higher order factors; conditional approval, narrative, and gender role beliefs. Conditional approval reflected belief in gender diverse identity as authentic and worthy of intervention. Narrative beliefs reflected understanding of common developmental experiences among gender diverse populations, specifically experiences of victimisation and nascence. Gender role beliefs reflected belief in the existence of gender roles. In models that regressed gender affirming attitudes and self-perceived competency on all transnormative beliefs, controlling for demographics and work history, practitioners higher in conditional approval were lower in gender affirming attitudes and practitioners higher in narrative beliefs were higher in gender affirming attitudes and competency. Conditional approval was not significantly associated with competency, and gender role beliefs were not significantly associated with attitudes or competency. Results indicate that practitioners' transnormative beliefs are related to their gender affirming attitudes and suggest that targeting these beliefs through training opportunities could bridge the gap between gender diverse people's healthcare needs and the ability of healthcare practitioners to provide high quality care.

Social Determinants of Health and Pediatric Emergency Department Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Social determinants of health contribute to disparities in pediatric health and health care. Our objective was to synthesize and evaluate the evidence on the association between social determinants of health and emergency department (ED) outcomes in pediatric populations.

METHODS

This review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Equity Extension guidelines. Observational epidemiological studies were included if they examined at least 1 social determinant of health from the PROGRESS-Plus framework in relation to ED outcomes among children <18 years old. Effect direction plots were used for narrative results and pooled odds ratios (pOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight studies were included, involving 17,275,090 children and 103,296,839 ED visits. Race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status were the most reported social determinants of health (71% each). Black children had 3 times the odds of utilizing the ED (pOR 3.16, 95% CI 2.46 to 4.08), whereas visits by Indigenous children increased the odds of departure prior to completion of care (pOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.39 to 1.80) compared to White children. Public insurance, low income, neighborhood deprivation, and proximity to an ED were also predictors of ED utilization. Children whose caregivers had a preferred language other than English had longer length of stay and increased hospital admission.

CONCLUSION

Social determinants of health, particularly race, socioeconomic deprivation, proximity to an ED, and language, play important roles in ED care-seeking patterns of children and families. Increased utilization of ED services by children from racial minority and lower socioeconomic status groups may reflect barriers to health insurance and access to health care, including primary and subspecialty care, and/or poorer overall health, necessitating ED care. An intersectional approach is needed to better understand the trajectories of disparities in pediatric ED outcomes and to develop, implement, and evaluate future policies.

Using Simulation to Teach Gender-Affirming Care Concepts in Nursing Education

BACKGROUND

LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-gender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual), and gender-nonconforming (GNC) individuals have limited access to quality care, leading to health disparities. Lack of training and implicit bias are significant contributors to discrimination. Nursing schools must provide opportunities for student interaction with vulnerable populations, and interacting with transgender and GNC individuals during clinical experiences may be challenging.

METHOD

Simulated experiences offer opportunities for students to develop clinical competencies. Students participated in a simulation on caring for transgender and GNC populations. Students participated in a prebriefing session, viewed a simulation video, and engaged in a debriefing session. Participants completed a pre- and postsurvey to assess their knowledge and perceived confidence.

RESULTS

Students' confidence in providing gender affirming care was improved by the activity.

CONCLUSION

Students prioritize providing competent care to vulnerable populations. In-class simulation is an effective method for improving students' clinical competencies in a safe, nonjudgmental setting. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(4):241-246.].

Gender-affirming care in the assessment and treatment of psychosis risk: Considering minority stress in current practice and future research

INTRODUCTION

Although research has documented the marked disparities in rates of psychosis-spectrum diagnoses in various socially marginalized populations, there is limited research addressing the needs of gender expansive individuals in the context of psychosis-spectrum illnesses using a minority stress lens. As clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR-p) assessment and treatment becomes accessible to increasingly diverse populations, there is a need for clinicians to demonstrate greater clinical competency working with individuals across diverse social backgrounds and identities.

METHODS

We examined rates of gender expansive (GE) patients seeking evaluation at an urban-based CHR-p clinic and compared the diagnostic profile of GE individuals to cisgender patients. Post-hoc analyses were conducted on clinical variables with significant differences between the cisgender and GE groups.

RESULTS

The proportion of GE patients seeking evaluation increased from 2017 (9.3%) to 2021 (16.7%). Compared to cisgender youth, GE patients had significantly higher depressive, social anxiety, borderline personality disorder symptoms, higher levels of suicidality and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviour, and lower role functioning. Gender identity was predictive of suicidality controlling for social anxiety, borderline symptoms, and role functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

We review implications for CHR-p treatment and discuss ways to integrate minority stress theory and gender-affirming practices into coordinated specialty care for CHR-p patients.

Two Gender Medicine: Provider-Side Barriers to Caring for Transgender and Gender Diverse Patients

Experienced and anticipated discrimination during health care visits result in lower health care utilization rates, which contribute to persistent health disparities between transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals and the general population. Most strategies for improving health care delivery to TGD patients place the responsibility on providers, overlooking the role of medical systems and institutions in creating the environments where negative health care experiences occur. Relying on the inhabited institutionalism framework, this study explores system- and institutional-level barriers to the provision of quality care to TGD patients identified by health care providers and administrators, including relevant contextual details of, and interactions between, these barriers. Based on interview data from health care providers and administrators from a variety of practices across Texas, we identified two overarching themes and six subthemes. We demonstrate how our interviewees' responses reveal an institutional logic of "two-gender medicine," which creates barriers to health care provision in both formal medical education and training and throughout the managed care model of practice. We also illustrate how health care workers find ways to resist this logic in the course of their practice. Addressing these barriers to delivering competent and compassionate care to TGD patients that providers encounter could make long overdue strides toward addressing health disparities.

Adolescents on an inpatient unit and their healthcare providers: what's working and what's not

OBJECTIVES

Adolescents admitted to hospital can face unique medical and psychosocial challenges, and may be treated by healthcare providers who do not recognize or adequately address these needs. Our goal was to better understand the experiences of both patients and providers at a local level.

METHODS

We designed a cross-sectional survey-based study of two participant groups: (1) adolescent patients (aged 10-19) admitted to general medical wards at a tertiary pediatric hospital and (2) pediatric healthcare providers representing multiple disciplines.

RESULTS

A total of 65 individuals participated: 25 adolescents (mean age 14.6; range 11-17) and 40 multidisciplinary healthcare providers. Most adolescents reported being treated respectfully (88 %) and taken seriously (92 %) by their providers. Several identified structure and routine, a break from daily stressors, and quality time with loved ones as positive aspects to hospitalization, while the use of correct gender pronouns, privacy, and age-appropriate leisure activities were cited areas for improvement. The majority of providers reported enjoying caring for adolescents (82 %) and forging therapeutic connections with them (87 %). Several areas of discomfort were noted, including gender and sexuality, substance use, and suicidality. Identified care gaps included inadequate training/education, suboptimal ward environments, and lack of community resources.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitals should recognize adolescent patients' needs for privacy, youth-centered communication, and developmentally-appropriate spaces. Pediatric healthcare professionals generally enjoy providing care to adolescents in the in-patient setting, however, often have insufficient training in addressing adolescent-specific health and psychosocial issues.

Transgender and gender diverse individuals' perspectives on discussions of fetal sex chromosomes in obstetrics care

In the past decade, prenatal cell-free DNA screening (cfDNA) has become ubiquitous as a screening tool for fetal aneuploidy and sex chromosomes. Healthcare provider (HCP) discussions and public perceptions of sex and gender uniquely impact transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals, and existing cfDNA guidelines lack recommendations regarding how to discuss sex and gender prenatally. The aim of this exploratory qualitative study was to examine TGD individuals' opinions regarding fetal sex chromosome disclosure sessions. Twelve semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted with TGD individuals regarding their perspectives on the discussion of fetal sex chromosomes by HCPs within the prenatal setting. Interviews were coded and analyzed using a reflexive thematic approach, generating four major themes: (1) Current practices in prenatal care exclude gender diverse people; (2) HCPs' responsibility to de-gender discussions of sex chromosomes in prenatal care; (3) HCPs' responsibility to acknowledge gender diversity; and (4) HCPs' influence on societal perceptions of sex and gender. More guidance is needed from professional societies regarding best practices for HCP discussions of sex chromosomes, sex, and gender. Participants recommended HCPs educate patients about sex chromosomes and their relevance to health while avoiding the conflation of sex and gender terms. Additionally, there is an acute need for trans-inclusive prenatal healthcare. Ultimately, HCPs' and organizations are in a prime position to deconstruct rigid gender binaries and promote societal inclusion of TGD people.

Erasure of the young trans person: A critical discursive review of contemporary health care literature

INTRODUCTION

Trans youth experience significantly higher rates of societal violence and ill-health compared to their cisgender peers. Although recent clinical guidelines for trans young people in health have paved the way for revolutionizing care, many trans young people still experience adversity in clinical settings. This discursive literature review provides a novel approach in exploring why trans young people experience violence in health care despite the availability of evidence-based resources and guidelines.

DESIGN

Databases (CINAHL and Scopus) were systematically searched to identify qualitative literature on the experiences of trans young people (<18 years) in health care settings.

METHOD

Rather than synthesizing and presenting the literature, Fairclough's (2001) CDA methodology was used to critically analyze the literature as texts in a data corpus. The authors engaged with the data from a critical social theory perspective.

RESULTS

Fifteen qualitative articles and one report (n = 16) on the experiences of trans young people (3-24 years) in health care settings were included. Two key discourses were identified in the literature. First, discourses that constituted the trans young person were identified in the definitions of 'trans' as a pathological incongruence and as alternate, self-determined ways of being. Further discourses were identified in the constitution of trans young people as victims, extra-pathological, and alternatively problematised as socially dysphoric. Second, discourses in health provider responses were identified in dismissive, gatekeeping, regulatory, and respectful practices.

DISCUSSION

The discursive constitution of the trans young person as incongruent, vulnerable, and pathological is constituted and generated by dismissive, gatekeeping, and regulatory practices of health care providers. The analysis reveals how trans young people are considered pathological and deemed treatable (at the site of the body), in the interest of 'protecting' them from a perceived abject future of trans adulthood. The logic and violence of cisgenderism is uncovered as the foundation of these dominant discourses, whereby growing up cisgender is often presented as the only option in health care settings. The dominant discourses that constitute the trans young person in health care as incongruent, pathological, and vulnerable, alongside the reifying health care responses of dismissal, gatekeeping, and regulation contribute to the erasure of the young trans person.

CONCLUSION

This paper identified key discourses in the literature in how trans young people are constituted and regulated in health care. This review highlights an urgent need for further critical scholarship in trans health by trans researchers, from critical perspectives. Furthermore, it provides a starting point for critical reflection of health care provider and researcher practices and the re-imagination of trans-futurity for all young people in health care.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Nurses are situated at the forefront of health care delivery and play a crucial role in the advocacy and provision of culturally safe care. With this ideal proximity to clients, nurses can powerfully affect change through better understanding and reflecting on how regulatory practices constitute and position trans young people in health care. Nursing knowledge, such as cultural safety, can offer novel approaches in working towards safer ways of meeting the needs of trans young people.

Provider cultural competence and humility in healthcare interactions with transgender and nonbinary young adults

PURPOSE

Transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) patients experience many barriers when seeking quality healthcare services, including ineffective communication and negative relationships with their providers as well as a lack of provider competence (including knowledge, training, and experience) and humility (engagement in the process of self-reflection and self-critique) in treating TGNB individuals. The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify factors associated with cultural competence and humility that facilitate and impede effective relationships between TGNB young adults and their healthcare providers.

METHODS

Data came from individual interviews with 60 young adults aged 18 to 24 from Florida who self-identified as transgender or nonbinary. We analyzed the data using inductive thematic approaches, and a feminist perspective, to identify themes associated with patient-provider relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified 4 themes related to patient-provider relationships: (1) Participants indicated effective patient-provider communication and relationships are facilitated by providers requesting and utilizing TGNB patients' correct names and personal pronouns. (2) Participant narratives conveyed their preferences that providers "follow their lead" in terms of how they described their own anatomy, reinforcing the utility of cultural humility as an approach for interactions with TGNB patients (3) Participants discussed the detrimental effects of TGNB patients having to educate their own providers about their identities and needs, suggesting clinicians' competence regarding gender diversity is paramount to fostering and maintaining patient comfort. (4) Finally, participants' responses indicated concerns regarding the confidentiality and privacy of the information they provided to their providers, suggesting a lack of trust detrimental to the process of building rapport between patients and their providers.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Our findings indicate balancing the use of cultural humility and cultural competence during clinical encounters with TGNB young adults can enhance patients' experiences seeking healthcare. Nursing education is often devoid of focus on caring for transgender and nonbinary persons. Additional provider training and education on approaching clinical encounters with TGNB patients with cultural humility and competence should improve patient-provider communication and relationships, leading to a higher quality of patient care.

Strategies for Providing Gender-Affirming Care for Adolescents in the Primary Care Setting

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth have high rates of health disparities and face significant barriers to accessing medical care. Primary care providers (PCPs) are often the first health care providers that TGD youth seek out to discuss gender identity and find support. Thus, it is crucial for PCPs to have an understanding of gender diversity and knowledge to support TGD youth with gender-affirming care. The purpose of this article is to offer strategies PCPs can implement to increase their comfort and capacity in providing care for TGD people. Key steps to support TGD youth in the primary care setting include creating affirming clinical environments, discussing gender identity at routine visits, supporting parents and families, supporting social transition, and providing menstrual suppression for those who desire it. Multidisciplinary gender clinics can partner with PCPs to support adolescents in accessing gender-affirming medical care and to provide additional education and support. [Pediatr Ann. 2023;52(12):e442-e449.].

Une approche d'affirmation pour les soins aux jeunes transgenres et de diverses identités de genre

Un nombre croissant de jeunes s'identifient comme transgenres ou de diverses identités de genre. De nombreux pédiatres et dispensateurs de soins de première ligne accueilleront cette population dans leur pratique, dans le cadre de soins liés au genre ou de soins de santé généraux. Le présent document de principes se veut une ressource pour orienter les pédiatres et les dispensateurs de soins de première ligne à adopter une approche d'affirmation pour la prestation des soins réguliers à tous les jeunes. De plus, il contient de l'information visant à aider les dispensateurs à répondre aux demandes de conseils des jeunes transgenres et de diverses identités de genre et de leur famille au sujet des possibilités de transition médicale et d'orientation vers des services spécialisés s'ils le désirent et le jugent pertinent. Enfin, on anticipe que la demande de soins d'affirmation de genre continue d'augmenter, et certains dispensateurs de soins peuvent souhaiter acquérir les connaissances et les habiletés nécessaires pour amorcer les inhibiteurs d'hormones et les hormones d'affirmation de genre chez les adolescents. Le présent document ne contient pas de directives cliniques, mais de l'information fondamentale au sujet des divers éléments possibles des soins d'affirmation de genre, tout en reconnaissant que les besoins et les objectifs d'adolescents particuliers n'incluent pas automatiquement de telles interventions. D'autres ressources permettant d'acquérir les compétences nécessaires pour offrir des interventions d'affirmation de genre sont également proposées.

An affirming approach to caring for transgender and gender-diverse youth

Increasing numbers of youth identify as transgender or gender-diverse (TGD). Many paediatricians and primary care providers (PCPs) will encounter this population in their practice, either for gender-related care or general health needs. This statement is intended as a resource to guide paediatricians and PCPs in implementing an affirming approach to routine health care provision for all youth. Furthermore, it presents information to assist providers in responding to requests for counselling from TGD youth and their families around potential options for medical transition, and in making referrals to specialized services, if desired and relevant. Finally, as demand for gender-affirming care is anticipated to continue to increase, some health care providers (HCPs) may wish to develop the knowledge and skills required to initiate adolescents on hormone-blocking agents and gender-affirming hormones. This document is not intended to be a clinical practice guideline, but will provide foundational information regarding these potential components of gender-affirming care, recognizing that the needs and goals of individual adolescents may or may not include such interventions. Additional resources relevant to developing the expertise required to provide gender-affirming interventions will also be identified.

Why do transgender individuals experience discrimination in healthcare and thereby limited access to healthcare? An interview study exploring the perspective of German transgender individuals

BACKGROUND

Transgender individuals experience limited access to healthcare. This results not least from experiences of discrimination to which they are exposed in the health system. These contribute to transgender individuals having poorer health than cis individuals, i.e. individuals whose sex assigned at birth is in line with their gender identity. It is an ethical duty to take effective measures to minimize inequalities in medical care. At best, such measures should also be assessed as appropriate from the perspective of those affected in order to be accepted and thus effective. It is therefore important to know whether measures touch on the subjectively assumed reasons for experiences of discrimination. Hence, to be able to take appropriate measures, it is important to identify the reasons that transgender individuals see as causal for their experiences of discrimination in healthcare.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 German transgender individuals and asked them about their own experiences of discrimination in healthcare and their assumptions on the reasons for discrimination. We analyzed the responses using the method of structured qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

13 transgender individuals reported experiences of discrimination in healthcare. These emanated from different professional groups and took place in trans-specific as well as general medical settings. We were able to identify a total of 12 reasons that transgender individuals see as causal for their experiences of discrimination: (1) internalized trans-hostility and "protection" of cis individuals, (2) lack of knowledge/uncertainties regarding transition, (3) "protection" of a binary worldview, (4) binary worldview in medicine, (5) structural deficits, (6) asymmetric interactions with specialists, (7) current political debate, (8) view of transgender individuals as a "burden for society", (9) objectification, (10) homophobia, (11) misogyny/androcentrism and (12) discrimination as reaction to discrimination.

CONCLUSIONS

German transgender individuals have a very differentiated picture regarding their subjective reasons for experiencing discrimination in healthcare. Overall, disrespect regarding gender identity and a confrontation with foreignness seems to be seen as the decisive factor. Thus, it is not enough to focus only on measures that aim to remedy the information deficit on the part of medical providers. Measures must be taken that can create a granting and respectful attitude towards transgender individuals.

"Difficult to Find, Stressful to Navigate": Parents' Experiences Accessing Affirming Care for Gender-Diverse Youth

Purpose: Gender-diverse youth (GDY) face significant health disparities, which can be mitigated by gender-affirming medical care. Understanding parents' experiences seeking care for their GDY can identify barriers to care and improve access. This study sought to understand parents' experiences accessing gender-affirming medical care with their GDY. Methods: We asked parents of GDY in the United States to describe their experiences with gender-affirming medical care through a single open-ended item on an online survey disseminated through social media in February of 2020. Open-ended survey responses were analyzed through inductive thematic analysis by two authors using an iteratively developed codebook adjudicated by consensus. This codebook was used to identify key themes. Results: We analyzed 277 responses from majority White (93.9%) parents from 41 U.S. states. Themes included (1) Experiences accessing care: finding a provider, financial and insurance-related considerations, the impact of geography on care access; (2) Experiences receiving care: factors in successful or unsuccessful patient-provider interactions, differing approaches to initiating care, sense of community with other families; and (3) Outcomes related to receiving care: how care for their child was perceived to be lifesaving or helped their child thrive. Conclusions: Parents highlighted how access to gender-affirming medical care improved their GDY's health and wellbeing, and described numerous barriers they experienced with finding and receiving this care. Given the evidence that gender-affirming medical care mitigates health disparities, providers, policymakers, insurance companies, and health systems leaders should urgently address these challenges to ensure equitable receipt of care for all GDY.

Adolescent Providers' Experiences of Harassment Related to Delivering Gender-Affirming Care

PURPOSE

The politicization of adolescent gender-affirming care has occurred alongside targeted harassment (e.g., threats of violence, doxing, bomb threats) of adolescent gender-affirming care providers across the United States. This study sought to explore their experiences of targeted harassment.

METHODS

From October to December 2022, mental and physical health gender-affirming care providers from across the United States completed a survey including open-ended questions about the kinds of harassment they experienced (i.e., method and messages of harassment) and its impact on their lives and practices. Thematic analyses were used to analyze their responses.

RESULTS

In total, 117 providers completed the survey and 70% shared that either they, their practice, or their institution had received threats specific to delivering gender-affirming care. The most common experiences were threats via social media or mailed letters. Several received death threats. Providers described how targeted harassment impacted their psychological well-being and required them to reassess clinic safety. Additionally, providers expressed the need for a more accurate representation of gender-affirming care in media and stronger advocacy from institutions and organizations emphasizing the importance of this care.

DISCUSSION

Adolescent gender-affirming care providers are experiencing targeted harassment, significantly affecting their ability to deliver care to transgender and gender-diverse adolescents and their families. Providers stressed the importance of receiving support from their institutions to ensure their safety. The ongoing sociopolitical climate related to gender-affirming care coupled with targeted harassment of those providing it will further limit access to this care.

Supporting Transgender Youth Across Psychosocial Systems

Transgender children and adolescents are at an elevated risk for negative mental health outcomes due to exposure to stigma and discrimination regarding their identity. While various environments may perpetuate this stigma, many supports also exist that can bolster safety, affirmation, and resilience in this population. Opportunities for support exist within schools, broader communities, religious organizations, and with medical professionals who practice gender-affirming care. Clinicians who are familiar with resources in their communities can effectively guide transgender youth and their families to these affirming spaces.

Achieving Health Equity for Sexual and Gender-Diverse Youth

Compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, sexual and gender diverse (SGD) youth, especially those from minoritized racial/ethnic groups, experience significant disparities in health, health care, and social conditions that can threaten their health and well-being. This article describes the disparities impacting SGD youth, their differential exposure to the stigma and discrimination that foster these disparities, and the protective factors that can mitigate or disrupt the impact of these exposures. On the final point, the article specifically focuses on pediatric providers and inclusive, affirming, medical homes as critical protective factors for SGD youth and their families.

Voices from a Multidisciplinary Healthcare Center: Understanding Barriers in Gender-Affirming Care-A Qualitative Exploration

When seeking gender-affirming care, trans* and gender-diverse individuals often describe experiencing barriers. However, a deeper understanding of what constitutes such barriers is generally lacking. The present research sought to better understand the barriers trans* and gender-diverse individuals experienced, and their effects, when seeking gender-affirming care in the Netherlands. Qualitative interviews were conducted with trans* and gender-diverse individuals who sought care at a Dutch multidisciplinary medical center. Twenty-one participants were included, of which 12 identified as (trans) male, six identified as (trans) female, one as trans*, and one as gender-nonconforming (GNC)/non-binary. The interviews were mostly conducted at the homes of the participants and lasted between 55 min and 156 min (mean = 85 min). Following data collection and transcription, the interviews were analyzed using axial coding and thematic analysis. A total of 1361 codes were extracted, which could be classified into four themes describing barriers: lack of continuity: organizational and institutional factors (n_codes = 546), patient-staff dynamics (n_codes = 480), inadequate information and support (n_codes = 210), and lack of autonomy in decision making (n_codes = 125). Within our study, trans* and gender-diverse individuals described encountering multiple and diverse barriers when seeking gender-affirming care in the Netherlands. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether individualized care, the decentralization of care, and the use of decision aids can improve the experienced barriers of trans* and gender-diverse individuals seeking gender-affirming care within the Dutch healthcare system.

Identifying protective factors for gender diverse adolescents' mental health

Few studies have disentangled differences in victimization exposures and mental health symptoms among gender diverse subgroups, nor considered the role of potential protective factors in ameliorating the impact of victimization on gender diverse youths' mental health. Here we report findings from a secondary data analysis, in which we address this gap by analyzing cross-sectional survey data (N = 11,264 in the final analytic sample) from a population-based survey of youth in participating school districts in a large Midwestern U.S. county. Relative to cisgender youth with gender conforming expression, transgender youth and cisgender youth with nonconforming gender expression are more likely to experience victimization and severe mental health concerns. Additionally, school-connectedness moderates the association between bias-based harassment and depression for cisgender youth with gender nonconforming expression, and family support/monitoring buffers the association of peer victimization with suicide attempts among transgender youth. Findings highlight the need to better understand factors which may confer protection among gender diverse adolescents, so that in turn appropriate supports across key contexts can be implemented.

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.

Practice, attitudes and views of right to access of sexual and reproductive health services by LGBTQI among primary health care nurses in Tshwane

BACKGROUND

Sexual and reproductive healthcare services (SRHS) are crucial investments for improving individual well-being and granting an opportunity to exercise sexual and reproductive rights. Primary health care (PHC) nurses are described as gatekeepers, preventing many individuals, including the members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI) community, from accessing much-needed healthcare services.

AIM

The study aimed at exploring the experiences and perceptions of PHC nurses during the provision of SRHS for members of the LGBTQI community.

SETTING

The study was conducted among eight clinics around Tshwane in South Africa.

METHODS

Twenty-seven professional nurses were selected purposively, using an exploratory design approach. A semistructured interview guide and in-depth face-to-face interviews were used to gather data. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis (TCA).

RESULTS

Four themes emerged: understanding of SRHS, attitudes of PHC nurses, frequency of rendering services based on utilisation of SHR and views of nurses on the right to access SRHS.

CONCLUSION

A heteronormative approach was mostly indicated when rendering SHRS to the members of the LGBTQI community. Members of the LGBTQI community do not use the SRHS as often as heterosexual patients; lack of training, skills and knowledge were identified as barriers to rendering much-needed SRHS for members of the LGBTQI community.Contribution: The findings of this study assisted in demonstrating the PHC nurses' perceptions, experiences, skills and knowledge of LGBTQI SRHS, thus improving the members of the LGBTQI community's accessibility and utilisation of SRHS.

Health Professions Students' Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes Toward Transgender Healthcare

Most graduate medical education programs dedicate almost no time in their curricula to the topic of transgender health. This study aimed to assess medical (MD), physician assistant (PA), and clinical nutrition (CN) students' self-reported knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward healthcare for transgender patients and identify differences between groups. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a single United States academic health center. Students were surveyed using a questionnaire with 16 Likert-type items. A total of 178 MD, 96 PA, and 28 CN students completed the survey. Most (67%) respondents reported a "high" level of personal comfort in caring for a transgender patient, with no difference between groups (p = .57). MD students were more likely than PA or CN students to report greater knowledge of gender dysphoria management (p < .001) and transgender care guidelines (p < .001), as well as a greater skill level in caring for patients with gender dysphoria (p = .009) and inquiring about gender identity (p < .001). All three groups, however, reported overall "low" or "intermediate" levels of knowledge and skills. Our research demonstrates that MD, PA, and CN students exhibit an equally high degree of personal comfort in caring for transgender patients but lack the knowledge and skills to confidently care for them.

Pedagogical strategies of LGBTQIA+ education in pre-licensure nursing: An integrative review

OBJECTIVES

Previous research suggests that information about providing culturally sensitive care to patients of the LGBTQIA+ population has been lacking among pre-licensure nursing programs. This is due, in part, to a lack of faculty preparation and knowledge regarding LGBTQIA+ issues. The purpose of this integrative review is to examine pedagogical strategies of LGBTQIA+ content integration in pre-licensure nursing programs in the United States.

DATA SOURCES

The literature search was conducted by searching CINAHL, the Cochrane Database, PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and PsychINFO for peer-reviewed articles that were written in the English language and completed in an educational setting.

REVIEW METHODS

The search was conducted by a single independent reviewer. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to articles identified by the databases. Eighteen articles met all identified criteria. Articles were appraised using resources from the Joanna Briggs Institute and one article was excluded from further consideration after appraisal. Seventeen articles were analyzed for themes.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged from the review: lecture and dialogue, experiential learning, and reading and writing.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the review of the literature, there is a myriad of evidence-based pedagogies to incorporate LGBTQIA+ content into pre-licensure nursing programs. Students were successful in achieving learning outcomes and interventions were well-received. The studies in this review may assist in mitigating a lack of faculty preparedness in teaching LGBTQIA+ content by providing examples of pedagogical strategies that can be adapted to fit their particular course or program.

Primary Healthcare Nurse’s Barriers and Facilitators to Providing Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Services of LGBTQI Individuals: A Qualitative Study

In most cases, we only hear Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI) patients complaining about nurses being the reason for not accessing and utilizing healthcare services; for example, studies reports on the different attitudes of healthcare providers including nurses against LGBTQI patients. However, factors influencing the behavior of South African Primary Healthcare (PHC) Nurses toward LGBTQI patients are rarely reported. The study aimed to explore how PHC nurses experienced and perceived sexual and reproductive health services for LGBTQI individuals in Tshwane, Gauteng Province, South Africa. The study followed qualitative research using an exploratory design approach. The sample included 27 PHC nurses from Tshwane, Gauteng Province, South Africa. In-depth face-to-face interviews were coded and analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) which included five interrelated steps. The results revealed three main themes: barriers to the provision of LGBTQI-related SRHS, facilitators for the provision of SRHS to LGBTQI individuals, and strategies to improve LGBTQI individuals’ SRHS accessibility and availability. Common barriers were related to the institutions, PHC nurses, the general public, and LGBTQI patients themselves. Regardless of the challenges faced by PHC nurses, there were some enabling factors that pushed them to continue rendering SHRS to LGBTQI patients who came to their clinics. Almost all PHC nurses suggested the importance of awareness, transparency, collaboration, and the need for training related to LGBTQI healthcare issues.

Brief Report: Role of Gender-Affirming Hormonal Care in HIV Care Continuum Outcomes When Comparing Transgender Women With Cisgender Sexual Minority Men

BACKGROUND

Transgender women (transwomen) are frequently conflated with cisgender sexual minority men (cis-SMM) in HIV research. We examined the impact of socioeconomic and health conditions, and gender-affirming hormones in comparing HIV-related outcomes between cis-SMM and transwomen.

SETTING

Large tertiary care health system in the Bronx, NY.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of people with HIV receiving care in 2008-2017. We compared retention in care, antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescription, and viral suppression between cis-SMM and transwomen, using modified Poisson regression, adjusting for demographic and clinical factors. Transwomen were further stratified by receipt of estrogen prescription.

RESULTS

We included 166 transwomen (1.4%), 1936 cis-SMM (17%), 4715 other cisgender men (41%), and 4745 cisgender women (41%). Transwomen were more likely to have public insurance (78% vs 65%) and mental health (49% vs 39%) or substance use (43% vs 33%) diagnoses than cis-SMM. Compared with cis-SMM, transwomen prescribed estrogen (67% of transwomen) were more likely to be retained [adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08 to 1.23), prescribed ART (aRR 1.06, CI 1.01 to 1.11), and virally suppressed (aRR 1.08, CI 1.01 to 1.16). Transwomen not prescribed estrogen were less likely to be retained (aRR 0.92, CI 0.83 to 1.02), prescribed ART (aRR 0.90, CI 0.82 to 0.98), or virally suppressed (aRR 0.85, CI 0.76 to 0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of HIV, socioeconomic factors, comorbidities, and gender-affirming care distinguish transwomen from cis-SMM. Compared with cis-SMM, transwomen who were prescribed estrogen had better HIV care continuum outcomes; transwomen not prescribed estrogen had worse outcomes. These differences should be accounted for in HIV-related research.

Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8

Background: Transgender healthcare is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field. In the last decade, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number and visibility of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people seeking support and gender-affirming medical treatment in parallel with a significant rise in the scientific literature in this area. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is an international, multidisciplinary, professional association whose mission is to promote evidence-based care, education, research, public policy, and respect in transgender health. One of the main functions of WPATH is to promote the highest standards of health care for TGD people through the Standards of Care (SOC). The SOC was initially developed in 1979 and the last version (SOC-7) was published in 2012. In view of the increasing scientific evidence, WPATH commissioned a new version of the Standards of Care, the SOC-8. Aim: The overall goal of SOC-8 is to provide health care professionals (HCPs) with clinical guidance to assist TGD people in accessing safe and effective pathways to achieving lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves with the aim of optimizing their overall physical health, psychological well-being, and self-fulfillment. Methods: The SOC-8 is based on the best available science and expert professional consensus in transgender health. International professionals and stakeholders were selected to serve on the SOC-8 committee. Recommendation statements were developed based on data derived from independent systematic literature reviews, where available, background reviews and expert opinions. Grading of recommendations was based on the available evidence supporting interventions, a discussion of risks and harms, as well as the feasibility and acceptability within different contexts and country settings. Results: A total of 18 chapters were developed as part of the SOC-8. They contain recommendations for health care professionals who provide care and treatment for TGD people. Each of the recommendations is followed by explanatory text with relevant references. General areas related to transgender health are covered in the chapters Terminology, Global Applicability, Population Estimates, and Education. The chapters developed for the diverse population of TGD people include Assessment of Adults, Adolescents, Children, Nonbinary, Eunuchs, and Intersex Individuals, and people living in Institutional Environments. Finally, the chapters related to gender-affirming treatment are Hormone Therapy, Surgery and Postoperative Care, Voice and Communication, Primary Care, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health, and Mental Health. Conclusions: The SOC-8 guidelines are intended to be flexible to meet the diverse health care needs of TGD people globally. While adaptable, they offer standards for promoting optimal health care and guidance for the treatment of people experiencing gender incongruence. As in all previous versions of the SOC, the criteria set forth in this document for gender-affirming medical interventions are clinical guidelines; individual health care professionals and programs may modify these in consultation with the TGD person.

Decision-Making Criteria When Contemplating Disclosure of Transgender Identity to Medical Providers

As identified in HealthyPeople 2020, the transgender population faces various barriers in accessing quality health care. One barrier includes the fear of negative response or refusal of treatment after disclosing one's transgender identity. In an effort to address this concern, it is essential to understand the criteria that transgender patients consider when determining if they will disclose their gender identity. The disclosure decision-making model (DD-MM) describes how individuals make decisions to share non-visible, health-relevant information with others. Applying the information assessment component of the DD-MM, the present study investigated the salient information assessment themes that contribute to transgender patients' decisions to disclose or withhold their gender identity from medical providers. The sample (N = 26) included transgender individuals who participated in in-depth interviews and described instances and criteria of disclosure decisions. Results revealed that when gauging stigma, participants consider cultural attitudes, how providers may attribute health concerns to their transgender identity, and if providers will perceive them as "trans enough" to provide access to transition-related care. When transition-related care is not necessary, participants' disclosure decision criteria include thoughts on how providers will perceive their gender expression and whether their transgender identity is salient to the medical interaction. Findings also highlighted opportunities for extending prior theoretical conceptualizations and practical implications for transgender care.

Spirituality, Religion and Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Affirmative Care with Youth and Families: Guidelines and Recommendations

An increasing number of transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth are seeking gender-affirming medical treatments and affirmative mental health supports. The field currently lacks guidelines or recommendations for the integration of spirituality and religion into such care. Providers must consider spirituality and religion when working with this population because it may reduce the burden of adversity and may also improve the likelihood of positive outcomes among this population. Informed by an adapted version of the Minority Stress Model and the cultural humility framework, our manuscript details recommendations for interdisciplinary care with TGNC youth and families in the following areas: functional assessment of spirituality and religion as they relate to gender identity, parental support, medical decision making, coping; religious/spiritual referral; psychotherapy referral; and community advocacy. Recommendations offer providers in interdisciplinary settings applicable frameworks and guidelines for integrating spirituality and religion into care with TGNC youth and families.

Gender-affirming Care for Transgender Patients

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, plus (LGBTQIA+ or LGBTQ+) individuals face a wide array of health disparities both within and separate from the healthcare system. Transgender patients are subject to microaggressions, misgendering, and harassment from providers, medical staff, and fellow patients. These patients experience drastic disparities in suicidality, depression, anxiety, substance use, malignancy, sexually transmitted disease (STD), and victimization of violence. Providers have the opportunity to intervene and positively impact patient experiences through gender-affirming care, but they first require an adequate knowledge base and understanding of the importance of sensitive and inclusive care. Seemingly small interventions, such as listing one's own pronouns, using gender-neutral language, validating and affirming patients, and utilizing appropriate mental and physical health screenings, can lead to significant impacts on the patient experience, health outcomes, and quality of life. This article will discuss some of the most common disparities and obstacles faced by transgender patients and will argue the paramount role of the provider in establishing gender-affirming care and some high-impact avenues which the provider, regardless of specialty, may pursue when caring for these patients.

"These Laws Will Be Devastating": Provider Perspectives on Legislation Banning Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Adolescents

PURPOSE

The standards of care for transgender and gender diverse youth (TGDY) experiencing gender dysphoria are well-established and include gender-affirming medical interventions. As of July 2021, 22 states have introduced or passed legislation that bans the provision of gender-affirming medical care to anyone under the age of 18 even with parent or guardian consent. The purpose of this study is to understand what providers who deliver gender-affirming medical care to TGDY think about this legislation.

METHODS

In March 2021, we recruited participants via listservs known to be frequented by providers of gender-affirming medical care. Eligible participants were over the age of 18, currently working as a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician's assistant, and providing gender-affirming care to TGDY under the age of 18 in the U.S.

RESULTS

We analyzed the responses of 103 providers from all 50 states and DC. Most participants identified as white (77%), cisgender women (70%), specializing in pediatric care (52%). The most salient theme, described by nearly all participants, was the fear that legislation banning gender-affirming care would lead to worsening mental health including increased risk for suicides among TGDY. Other themes included the politicization of medical care, legislation that defies the current standards of care for TGDY, worsening discrimination toward TGDY, and adverse effects on the providers.

CONCLUSIONS

Providers of gender-affirming care overwhelmingly opposed legislation that bans gender-affirming care for TGDY citing the severe consequences to the health and well-being of TGDY along with the need to practice evidence-based medicine without fear.

Experiences of transgender and non-binary youth accessing gender-affirming care: A systematic review and meta-ethnography

Objective

Transgender and non-binary individuals frequently engage with healthcare services to obtain gender-affirming care. Little data exist on the experiences of young people accessing gender care. This systematic review and meta-ethnography aimed to identify and synthesise data on youths’ experiences accessing gender-affirming healthcare.

Method

A systematic review and meta-ethnography focusing on qualitative research on the experiences of transgender and non-binary youth accessing gender care was completed between April-December 2020. The following databases were used: PsychINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO, international prospective register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020139908).

Results

Ten studies were included in the final review. The sample included participants with diverse gender identities and included the perspective of parents/caregivers. Five dimensions (third-order constructs) were identified and contextualized into the following themes: 1.) Disclosure of gender identity. 2.) The pursuit of care. 3.) The cost of care. 4.) Complex family/caregiver dynamics. 5.) Patient-provider relationships. Each dimension details a complicated set of factors that can impact healthcare navigation and are explained through a new conceptual model titled “The Rainbow Brick Road”.

Conclusion

This synthesis expands understanding into the experience of transgender and non-binary youth accessing gender-affirming healthcare. Ryvicker’s behavioural-ecological model of healthcare navigation is discussed in relation to the findings and compared to the authors’ conceptual model. This detailed analysis reveals unique insights on healthcare navigation challenges and the traits, resources, and infrastructure needed to overcome these. Importantly, this paper reveals the critical need for more research with non-binary youth and research which includes the population in the design.

"I Have Nowhere to Go": A Multiple-Case Study of Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth, Their Families, and Healthcare Experiences

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth experience health disparities due to stigma and victimization. Gender-affirming healthcare mitigates these challenges; yet, we have limited understanding of TGD youth’s healthcare experiences in the U.S. Midwest and South. Using a multiple case study design, we aimed to develop an in-depth and cross-contextual understanding of TGD youth healthcare experiences in one Midwestern state. Families with a TGD child under 18 were recruited with the goal of cross-case diversity by child age, gender, race, and/or region of the state; we obtained diversity in child age and region only. Four white families with TGD boys or non-binary youth (4–16) in rural, suburban, and small towns participated in interviews and observations for one year; public data were collected from each family’s community. Thematic analysis was used within and across cases to develop both family-level understanding and identify themes across families. Findings include a summary of each family as it relates to their child’s TGD healthcare experiences as well as the themes identified across cases: accessibility and affirming care. Although limited by a small sample with lack of gender and race diversity, this study contributes to our understanding of TGD youth healthcare in understudied regions.

Medical Care for Nonbinary Youth: Individualized Gender Care Beyond a Binary Framework

Nonbinary and genderqueer youth represent well over a one-third of transgender youth. Historically, transgender health care has been based on the gender binary, and as a result, many nonbinary people have chosen to forego care or withhold their authentic needs or goals when accessing care. This article presents a paradigm shift in gender care, which addresses discrimination and stigma and outlines components of supportive and affirming care to gender expansive youth. Nonbinary youth are best served when providers use gender-affirming language and focus on embodiment goals. Medical interventions may include pubertal suppression, hormones, and surgeries, which are best reviewed by individual physical effects rather than with "masculinizing" or "feminizing" terminology. Individualized goals may be supported by estrogen, testosterone, or a combination of both. Providers should be prepared to facilitate supportive conversations, difficult decisions, and balancing of priorities with nonbinary patients and their families. [Pediatr Ann. 2021;50(9):e384-e390.].

Gender-Affirmative Eating Disorder Care: Clinical Considerations for Transgender and Gender Expansive Children and Youth

Transgender and gender expansive (TGE) children and youth suffer staggering rates of discrimination and are at higher risk of developing eating disorder symptoms and behaviors than cisgender youth. This article presents an overview of current research on identified risk factors for the development of eating disorders for TGE children and youth; provides clinical considerations for professionals in providing gender-affirming, collaborative eating disorder care; outlines specific concepts for staff training and for developing gender-affirming systems of care including policies and practices; and identifies numerous resources for TGE children and youth and their families. The clinical considerations and suggested practices reflect current research and clinical practice. Both the gender-affirmative clinical field and the eating disorder field are constantly evolving, and the recommendations and resources will need ongoing updates to reflect developments in these fields. [Pediatr Ann. 2021;50(9):e371-e378.].

Trans-affirming care: An integrative review and concept analysis

BACKGROUND

Contemporary healthcare exists within a cisnormative landscape which underpins the erasure of trans persons in healthcare, health research, and health education, and results in negative experiences and poorer outcomes. Further, nurses report feeling inadequately prepared to provide affirming care to trans patients, with little guidance available to inform their practice.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the conceptual understanding of trans-affirming care as it pertains to nursing, and to provide recommendations for trans-affirming nursing care at the systemic, organizational, and individual level.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was completed using standard review processes. Two reviewers independently applied a two-step study selection procedure to identify eligible citations. Walker and Avant's concept analysis method was used to analyze the extracted data to determine antecedents, defining attributes, empirical referents, and consequences.

RESULTS

Of the 5914 studies, 136 met criteria, representing a variety of clinical settings. The antecedents identified were depathologization of gender variance and cultural humility. The defining attributes were patient-led care, trans-affirming culture, and trans-competent providers. The consequences were improved psychological and physical health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Trans persons and communities are becoming more visible in society, as are their testimonials about their substandard treatment within healthcare systems. Nurses need to respond to these health inequities with self-reflection, advocacy, and education. At the center of this work is the concept of trans-affirming care, which is a philosophy of care specific to trans persons. Tweetable abstract: This article offers an evidence-informed definition of trans-affirming care and recommendations for how it can be operationalized by nurses.

[Self-assessment of healthcare workers regarding the management of trans people in a university hospital]

INTRODUCTION

Trans people face more barriers when seeking healthcare than the cisgender population probably due to a lack of knowledge, education and comfort of healthcare workers. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and comfort felt by healthcare professionals in managing trans people in a French university hospital.

METHODS

A self-questionnaire was emailed to healthcare professionals working in departments usually involved in the care of trans people in a French university hospital "not specialized" in medical and surgical gender transition. The questionnaire included demographic questions and Likert scales regarding their knowledge and comfort in taking care of trans people. Responses on the 7-point Likert scales were categorized into "low", "medium" and "high" groups, and responses on the 5-point Likert scales were categorized into "in favour", "neutral" and "against" groups.

RESULTS

One hundred and two (29%) healthcare professionals answered the questionnaire. Half worked in surgical departments (urology, plastic surgery, gynecology), 24% worked in medical departments (endocrinology, reproductive medicine, cytogenetics) and 26% worked in psychiatry. The majority (60.3%) rated their level of knowledge as "low" and 39.7% as "medium". Sixteen percent rated their level of comfort in managing trans people as "low", 72.5% as "medium" and 11.5% as "high". A majority (77.5%) were in favor of having the costs of gender transition care covered by the national health insurance system, 16.4% were neutral and 6% were against this idea. Feelings about surgical and hormonal gender transition were overwhelmingly (96.4%) in favour or neutral and 91% were willing to get more training and education to manage trans people.

CONCLUSION

The lack of comfort felt by healthcare professionals in university hospital in managing trans people seems to be related to a lack of knowledge and training in that field and not to a disagreement with the need of transgender healthcare.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Clinical Outcomes Following Acute Residential Psychiatric Treatment in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents

IMPORTANCE

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals, who have a gender identity that differs from their sex assigned at birth, are at increased risk of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, self-injurious behavior, and suicidality, relative to cisgender peers.

OBJECTIVE

To examine mental health outcomes among TGD vs cisgender adolescents in residential treatment.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study's longitudinal design was used to compare groups at treatment entry and discharge, and 1-month postdischarge follow-up. The setting was an adolescent acute residential treatment program for psychiatric disorders. Participants were TGD or cisgender adolescents enrolled in the treatment program. Statistical analysis was performed October 2019 to March 2021.

EXPOSURE

Adolescents participated in a 2-week acute residential treatment program for psychiatric disorders.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Primary outcomes were depressive (the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale [CES-D]) and anxiety (the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children [MASC]) symptoms, and emotional dysregulation (the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale [DERS]), measured at treatment entry and discharge, and postdischarge follow-up. Age of depression onset, suicidality, self-injury, and childhood trauma also were assessed at treatment entry.

RESULTS

Of 200 adolescent participants who completed treatment entry and discharge assessments, the mean (SD) age was 16.2 (1.5) years; 109 reported being assigned female at birth (54.5%), 35 were TGD (17.5%), and 66 (49.3%) completed 1-month follow-up. TGD participants had an earlier mean (SD) age of depression onset (TGD: 10.8 [2.4] years vs cisgender: 11.9 [2.3] years; difference: 1.07 years; 95% CI, 0.14-2.01 years; P = .02), higher mean (SD) suicidality scores (TGD: 44.4 [23.1] vs cisgender: 28.5 [25.4]; difference: 16.0; 95% CI, 6.4-25.5; P = .001), more self-injurious behavior (mean [SD] RBQ-A score for TGD: 3.1 [2.5] vs cisgender: 1.7 [1.9]; difference: 1.42; 95% CI, 0.69-2.21; P = .001) and more childhood trauma (eg, mean [SD] CTQ-SF score for emotional abuse in TGD: 12.7 [5.4] vs cisgender: 9.8 [4.7]; difference: 2.85; 95% CI, 1.06-4.64; P = .002). The TGD group also had higher symptom scores (CES-D mean difference: 7.69; 95% CI, 3.30 to 12.08; P < .001; MASC mean difference: 7.56; 95% CI, 0.46 to 14.66; P = .04; and DERS mean difference: 18.43; 95% CI, 8.39 to 28.47; P < .001). Symptom scores were significantly higher at entry vs discharge (CES-D mean difference, -12.16; 95% CI, -14.50 to -9.80; P < .001; MASC mean difference: -3.79; 95% CI, -6.16 to -1.42; P = .02; and DERS mean difference: -6.37; 95% CI, -10.80 to -1.94; P = .05) and follow-up (CES-D mean difference: -9.69; 95% CI, -13.0 to -6.42; P < .001; MASC mean difference: -6.92; 95% CI, -10.25 to -3.59; P < .001; and DERS mean difference: -12.47; 95% CI, -18.68 to -6.26; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This cohort study found mental health disparities in TGD youth relative to cisgender youth, with worse scores observed across assessment time points. For all participants, primary clinical outcome measures were significantly lower at treatment discharge than at entry, with no significant differences between discharge and 1-month follow-up. Given the substantial degree of mental health disparities reported in TGD individuals, these findings warrant focused clinical attention to optimize treatment outcomes in gender minority populations.

Supporting the Health of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth in Primary Care Settings

Transgender and gender-diverse youth represent approximately 2% of all youth in the United States. Given that gender diversity usually develops during childhood and adolescence, primary care providers must be equipped to recognize and support youth exploring gender identity or experiencing gender dysphoria. This article provides an overview of gender diversity and reviews strategies for creating a welcoming clinical space, discussing gender during the office visit, providing affirming primary care, and supporting youth and their families during gender identity exploration and gender transition.

Providing Affirmative Care to Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth: Disparities, Interventions, and Outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This paper reviews the evolving body of research on the mental health of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth. Minority stress experiences in families, schools, and the community impact the health and well-being of this population due to experiences of stigma, discrimination, and rejection. Poor healthcare access and outcomes may be compounded in youth with intersectional identities.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is increasing evidence that gender-affirming interventions improve mental health outcomes for TGD youth. TGD youth report worse mental health outcomes in invalidating school and family environments and improved outcomes in affirming climates. TGD youth experience significant healthcare disparities, and intersectional clinical approaches are needed to increase access to affirmative care. Providers can best support TGD youth by considering ways they can affirm these youth in their healthcare settings, and helping them access support in schools, family systems, and communities. Understanding the intersection of multiple minority identities can help providers address potential barriers to care to mitigate the health disparities seen in this population.

Expanding and improving trans affirming care in Australia: experiences with healthcare professionals among transgender young people and their parents

Access to medical care is significant for many transgender young people and their families, which involves interactions with healthcare professionals. While a trans affirming model is used across Australian paediatric gender clinics, this does not automatically mean that all transgender young people and their parents experience the care they receive as affirming. This article considers the experiences and views of transgender young people (aged 11-17) and their parents in relation to healthcare professionals inside and outside of gender clinics in Australia. Ten qualitative interviews were conducted with parent-child dyads in two Australian states. Key themes relating to healthcare professionals were: differing levels of healthcare professional knowledge and affirmation, quality of service is dependent on individual healthcare professionals, and lack of connected services and referral pathways. The discussion explores specific issues arising from the findings that suggest implications for training for healthcare professionals so as to be better equipped to provide trans affirming clinical care.

"We Deserve Care and we Deserve Competent Care": Qualitative Perspectives on Health Care from Transgender Youth in the Southeast United States

PURPOSE

Transgender populations experience health inequities that underscore the importance of ensuring access to high quality care. We thematically summarize the health care experiences of transgender youth living in the southeast United States to identify potential barriers and facilitators to health care.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Transgender youth recruited from community settings in an urban area of the southeast United States participated in individual interviews (n = 33) and focus groups (n = 9) about protective factors. We conducted a thematic analysis of data from 42 participants who described their experiences seeking and receiving health care.

RESULTS

Participants reported a wide range of gender identities. The individual interview sample was majority Black (54.5%) and the mean age was 21.7 years and focus group participants were all white and the mean age was 16.8 years. Participants described numerous barriers to health care, including limited availability of gender affirming care, logistical challenges, such as gatekeeping and cost, concerns about confidentiality in relation to sexual behavior and gender identity, and inadequate cultural competency among providers regarding gender-affirming care. Facilitators included intake procedures collecting chosen pronouns and names and consistent use of them by providers, and open communication, including active listening.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings underscore the need for a multi-component approach to ensure both transgender- and youth-friendly care.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Providers and office staff may benefit from transgender cultural competency trainings. In addition, clinic protocols relating to confidentiality and chosen name and pronoun use may help facilitate access to and receipt of quality care.

LGBT + young people's perceptions of barriers to accessing mental health services in Ireland

AIM

To explore the barriers to accessing mental health services in the Republic of Ireland from the perspectives of young LGBT + people aged 14-25.

BACKGROUND

Significant mental health disparities exist between LGBT + young people and their cisgender and heterosexual peers, yet they do not have equitable access to mental health services. Limited research has explored barriers, which exist for LGBTI + young people in accessing services, particularly from their perspectives.

METHOD

An anonymous online survey design, consisting of closed and open questions, was used. The study was advertised through local and national organisations and media. 1,064 LGBT + participants aged 14-25 opted to complete the survey.

RESULTS

Most participants reported several barriers to them accessing mental health services that were interlinked across three levels: individual; sociocultural; and mental health system.

CONCLUSION

Cultural competency training for practitioners, which address issues and concerns pertinent to LGBT + young people, is key to addressing many of the barriers identified.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Nurse managers can use the findings to advocate for practice and organisational change within their services to ensure that care and support is responsive and sensitive to the particular needs of LGBT + young people.

Perspectives and Experiences of Transgender and Non-binary Individuals on Seeking Urological Care

OBJECTIVE

To describe perspectives and experiences related to urology care-seeking of transgender and non-binary (TGNB) individuals assigned male at birth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This HIPAA-compliant study was IRB approved and followed Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) guidelines. Through semistructured interviews, perspectives, and experiences of individuals related to urology care-seeking were explored. Open-ended questions were designed to elicit a range of responses rather than quantifiable data. Thematic codes were developed and explicitly defined. Codes pertaining to patient experiences were assessed and described.

RESULTS

Twenty-five TGNB individuals assigned male at birth were interviewed. Participants reported an array of factors that informed and inhibited care-seeking, factors that framed individual urologic care experiences, and their overall impression of the healthcare system's ability to effectively and respectfully serve the TGNB population. Specifically, participants reported that prior negative healthcare experiences dissuaded them from seeking care such as feeling discriminated against and having a lack of trust in providers. Additionally, participants reported feeling a need and responsibility to "educate" providers on both their medical needs and psychosocial experiences. Participants were also unclear how best to identify "trans-friendly" urologists who are culturally competent and have appropriate medical knowledge.

CONCLUSION

TGNB individuals face significant barriers to care for unique healthcare needs. TGNB participants described care avoidance and reported experiences of healthcare discrimination. These data highlight the importance for urologists to understand the perspectives and historical experiences of these individuals who may seek urological care.