Integrated Comprehensive Care for Transcare and Gender Diverse Clinic Patients: An Assessment of Physical, Mental, and Social Needs.

Abstract

IntroductionThere is a large body of research reporting the healthcare needs of groups identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer (LGBTQ); however, a gap exists in the research literature because many epidemiological studies focus on sexual orientation rather than gender identify/incongruence. To address the lack of specific data from transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals, our organization designed and deployed a survey to assess the gender-affirming physical, mental, and social care needs of current patients.MethodsA group of subspecialty physicians currently working with TGD patients created a list of questions and requested feedback from medical professionals familiar with the healthcare needs of this population. In addition, patients reviewed the survey for content and clarity. The final 68-item survey was distributed in April 2020 to patients or patients' representatives with an email address on file at the Nebraska Medicine Transgender Care Clinic (NMTCC). Participants were asked to respond to questions regarding their gender identity, their transition-related medical decisions, and their interest in services.ResultsInvitations were sent to 690 patients and 168 surveys were completed (response rate: 24.3%). Over 90% (n = 153) of the participants were patients and 9% (n = 15) answered survey questions on the patient’s behalf. A majority (77.2%) had started the medical transition (hormones or puberty blockers) in the past four years. Nearly half (46.4%) identified as trans women, 43.4% identified as trans men, and 10.2% indicated they were nonbinary or gender expansive. Participants' sex assigned at birth was 50.9% female and 46.1% male. Most patients (n = 149; 92%) reported currently receiving hormone treatment within the Nebraska Medicine healthcare system. Results indicated the highest level of clinical services interest was primary care (38.4%), gender-affirming surgery (73.5%), voice therapy (49.0%), and hair removal (37.5%). In addition, participants were very likely to participate in support groups with "people of similar gender identity" (32.9%), with "others around my age" (28.6%), and "including a mix of ages and identities" (26.9%).DiscussionThis study suggests that our TGD patients would utilize integrated services to access a variety of clinical and non-clinical services. Ongoing community engagement and direct feedback from patients are critical to the success and growth of our gender-affirming care clinic. The results of this study will inform the planning and further evolution of a program designed to build trust and address health inequities for TGD individuals throughout the region.