Ohio community pharmacists’ provision of inclusive care for transgender and gender-diverse patients

Abstract

BackgroundCommunity pharmacists have potential challenges to overcome to care for transgender and gender-diverse patients properly. The American Pharmacists Association and Human Rights Campaign released a resource guide in March 2021 with best practices for gender-affirming care, yet there are no reports of community pharmacists’ awareness or implementation of the guide. ObjectivesThis study’s primary objective was to assess community pharmacists’ awareness of the guide. Secondary objectives were to determine whether their current practices align with the guide’s recommendations and whether they are interested to learn more information. MethodsAn anonymous, institutional review board-approved survey developed from the guide’s framework was e-mailed to 700 randomly selected Ohio community pharmacists. As an incentive, respondents could select a charitable organization to receive a donation. ResultsOf the 688 pharmacists receiving the survey, 83 completed it (12%). Only 10% were aware of the guide. A range in self-reported ability to define key terms was found, from 95% for “transgender” to 14% for “intersectionality.” Among the guide’s suggested practices, collection of preferred names (61%) and consideration of transgender, gender-diverse, or nonheterosexual patients in their staff training (54%) were most often reported. Fewer than 50% reported pharmacy software with key gender-related data management capabilities. Most respondents indicated an interest in learning more about components of the guide, but gaps remained. ConclusionThere is a need to raise awareness of the guide and to provide foundational knowledge, skills, and tools to ensure culturally competent care for transgender and gender-diverse patients and improve health equity.