Abstract
Purpose: It has been widely noted that existing healthcare systems do not always function effectively for the transgender population. Despite existing healthcare barriers, however, transgender individuals have been shown to have positive healthcare experiences. This study explored a cohort of transgender individuals who had positive healthcare experiences, and those who were involved in creating a positive healthcare experience for transgender individuals.Methods: A single case study was conducted, which included 10 interviews with transgender individuals, healthcare providers, and friends/family/significant others of transgender individuals. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis.Results: Seven key themes emerged within macro levels (large-scale system), meso levels (local/interpersonal), and micro levels (individual/internal) of healthcare system support. At a macro level, few system strengths were shown, with hope for change in the future. On a meso level, both external supports and informal networking emerged as key factors in positive healthcare experiences. At the micro level, self-navigation, characteristics for success, and personal strategy development were important for achieving positive experiences.Conclusion: Factors that contribute to positive healthcare experiences for transgender individuals were outlined in this study, showing that meso and micro level support compensate for large-scale healthcare system deficits.
Highlights
Transgender is an umbrella term that refers to people with diverse gender identities and expressions that differ from stereotypical gender norms.[1]
Within Canada, transgender individuals have reported high levels of satisfaction with mental health services, with 87.8% of transgender-identified participants in a study comparing mental health services among the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community reporting that they were ‘‘satisfied’’ or ‘‘very satisfied’’ with their mental health services in the past year.[24]. These findings indicate that despite the many barriers that exist for the transgender population, there are transgender individuals who have had positive healthcare experiences, warranting further research in this area
Loneliness in the healthcare system should not be interpreted in a positive light, this study shows that, despite feeling alone in the system, transgender individuals are still able to have positive healthcare experiences, which might have significant implications
Summary
Transgender is an umbrella term that refers to people with diverse gender identities and expressions that differ from stereotypical gender norms.[1] It has been widely noted that existing healthcare systems do not always function effectively for the transgender population.[2,3,4,5]. Trans PULSE, an Ontario-wide research study of social determinants of health among transgender individuals, has shown reports of stigma and discrimination,[9] which can be seen as unacceptable in Canada, where the transgender population is covered under the Human Rights Act. Within the workplace, 13% of transgender individuals reported having been fired from their job for being transgender and 18% reported having been turned down due to a lack of transgender-positive a Katie A.E. Ross et al 2016; Published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Ross et al 2016; Published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc
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