Abstract
This study investigates the needs and concerns transgender (short: trans) individuals have concerning trans healthcare (THC) in interdisciplinary THC centres. Trans individuals’ gender does not (fully/constantly) match their sex assigned at birth. To be able to live in their gender role and to prevent or minimise gender dysphoria, they might require a multidisciplinary set of transition related healthcare services. The current shift from the traditionally highly regulated, hierarchical and pathologising approach to THC towards a more patient-centred approach has highlighted the importance of trans patients’ satisfaction with treatment processes and results. As the still influential regulations have a negative effect on patient satisfaction, and might also keep trans individuals from seeking transition related treatment, it is crucial to investigate what trans individuals, whether patients or not, need and fear regarding transition related healthcare. Against the backdrop of mixed reactions received from the local trans community regarding the foundation of the Interdisciplinary Transgender Healthcare Centre Hamburg (ITHCCH), Germany, this study seeks to determine what trans individuals need with respect to THC in order to guarantee for high quality service provision at the ITHCCH. To this end, an online questionnaire was developed. The researchers employed a participatory approach to questionnaire development by involving a working group consisting of local trans support group representatives and (THC) specialists (N = 4). The sample consisted of N = 415 trans-identified individuals aged between 16 and 76. Most of them were based in Germany. 85.2% (n = 382) reported experience with transition related healthcare and 72.5% (n = 301) had (additional) treatments planned. Analysis revealed a need for communication and feedback opportunities. Furthermore, during the treatment process, addressing individual needs was considered crucial by participants. They agreed moderately with concerns towards THC centres. 96.5% of participants would like high decision-making power concerning treatment-associated decisions. The results demonstrate the importance of patient-centred THC that takes patients' individual needs and realities into consideration and involves patients in decision-making processes.
Highlights
IntroductionThe term transgender (hereafter trans) refers to individuals whose gender does not (fully/constantly) match their sex assigned at birth
The term transgender refers to individuals whose gender does not match their sex assigned at birth
The study presented in this paper investigates which needs and concerns trans individuals have concerning trans healthcare (THC) offered by interdisciplinary THC centres in Germany
Summary
The term transgender (hereafter trans) refers to individuals whose gender does not (fully/constantly) match their sex assigned at birth. The study presented in this paper investigates which needs and concerns trans individuals have concerning THC offered by interdisciplinary THC centres in Germany. The researchers sought to contribute to developing quality standards for patient-centred, interdisciplinary healthcare services for trans people. Measures were developed to assure provision of high-quality in the Interdisciplinary Transgender Healthcare Centre Hamburg (ITHCCH). The paper opens with outlining the context of THC in Germany, describes the methods used in the study, and the results obtained. It discusses findings and implications, and presents measures of quality development implemented by the ITHCCH
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