O19.5 Integrating care for trans people: The Transclinic, a collaboration between Trans United Europe and the Public Health Service of Amsterdam

Abstract

<h3>Background/Purpose</h3> Although public health based STI/HIV services are without costs available to key populations in the Netherlands, a gap in reaching some specific key communities is present, such as transgender people of the black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) community, especially those who have limited access to healthcare (due to homelessness, refugee-status, or sex workers). Additionally, these communities struggle to gain access to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Combining STI/HIV services with reliable HRT can better engage these communities to public health services. <h3>Approach</h3> In 2021, community-led transgender organisation Trans United Europe (TUE) started a collaboration with the sexual health department of the Public Health Service (PHS) of Amsterdam. TUE is organised by and for the transgender BIPOC community, and advocates for better transgender rights and healthcare policies. In 2017, TUE developed a transgender social center, operated by transgender sex workers, including a Transclinic to provide HRT. Limitations at the Transclinic were the lack of laboratory testing possibilities and limited support from health care professionals. By uniting the Transclinic with the services of the PHS, we are able to provide multidisciplinary services, including social support, patient-empowerment, HRT, STI/HIV testing and provision of pre-exposure prophylaxis. <h3>Outcomes/Impact</h3> By reaching this previously unsuccessfully engaged population, several public health concerns can be addressed, including prevention and early detection of HIV, improving linkage to care for those living with HIV, prevention of STI transmission and of harm cause by informal HRT. Strong community-led social support encourages patient-empowerment and trust in available medical health services. <h3>Innovation and significance</h3> Fusing peer-to-peer organisations with professional healthcare organisations may result in increased acces to key communities and improved health outcomes. Combining services from TUE and the PHS of Amsterdam resulted in the first alliance in the Netherlands between a public health service and a transgender-led organisation.