Abstract
Gender affirmation is standard medical care, and community input is an essential component of patient-centered care. This study shares how our organization assessed patients’ perceptions of health care organizations that provide gender-affirming care. Building on qualitative interview data, we distributed an online survey via a lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer research firm. The survey was completed by 314 transgender individuals residing in 37 U.S. states and territories. Most respondents (69%) reported negative experiences seeking health care. Patients would travel long distances for competent providers and were more willing to seek care from an institution actively working to change a formerly negative reputation. Patients described high-quality organizations as prioritizing staff training (95.5%), having inclusive policies (93.3%), and hiring expert staff (86.0%). Programs should ensure cultural competency training for all staff. They should recruit and retain providers skilled in transgender medicine, especially trans-identified providers. Patient experience and reputation in the community influence where patients seek care.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 225-245 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Journal of health care for the poor and underserved |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2024 |
Keywords
- Transgender
- diversity, equity, and inclusion
- patient-centered care
- sexual and gender minority
- transgender care
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health