Current Residency Training: Increased Education Regarding the Care of Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Patients [8B

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: An American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) committee opinion in 2011 urged health insurance plans to cover transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) affirming care and in 2017, another one reviewed medical guidelines that obstetrician-gynecologists should apply in addressing the needs of TGNB adolescents. Given this evolving clinical landscape, a difference in education regarding TGNB specific training, education and experience levels between Ob/Gyn residents and attendings was studied. METHODS: A twenty-one item survey was emailed to APGO program coordinators to distribute to their program directors and residents from February to April, 2018. This anonymous survey included demographics and TGNB perceptions, education and hands-on training. RESULTS: Of the 150 programs contacted, an unknown number of surveys was distributed. 200 surveys were email assessed, with 164 filled out. Providers included 2 PA/NP/APN (excluded from analysis), 49 attendings and 113 residents. Of the 126 physicians who cared for TGNB patients, 51 providers (44.73%) cared for five or more TGNB patients. Fifty-eight percent of residents and 79% of attendings reported inadequate/no formal TGNB training. One attending (2%) vs 11 residents (9.7%) reported 11 or more hours of TGNB education during medical school. Proportionally more attendings vs residents felt uncomfortable performing (33.33% vs 8.65%) and had performed fewer (14.28% vs 25.66%) gender affirmation hysterectomies/oophorectomies. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that attendings less contemporarily trained than current residents had less TGNB specific training and clinical experience. Additional educational endeavors for the entire health care team would be a positive asset to advancing TGNC healthcare.