PS13 Meeting the care needs of transgender patients in dermatology

Abstract

Abstract Transgender persons are a diverse group whose gender identity differs from the sex recorded at birth. Some, but not all, choose to undergo medical treatment to align their physical appearance with their gender identity. It is important that clinicians understand the specific medical issues relevant to this population. Transgender individuals are at an increased risk of experiencing health inequalities, such as anxiety and depression, in addition to their own individual healthcare needs. It is important that staff in the healthcare setting are prepared to care for this population, to ensure the best patient outcomes. An understanding of transgender terminology and the experience of gender dysphoria is key. Improving the quality of care will reduce health disparities commonly faced by the transgender population. In our department, we have encountered difficulty in maintaining accurate gender identity data. We describe a case of a transgender woman attending the outpatient dermatology services for treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa and acne vulgaris. In addition to management of their dermatological conditions, there are issues with mislabelling in their chart. This includes the use of outdated labels and the inability to update their current forename from their original forename under their medical record number and on the patient information system. Electronic health records (EHRs) are the cornerstone in managing accurate patient information in hospitals. Healthcare institutions should have the capacity to collect accurate and up-to-date gender identity data, and gender-related demographic fields. However, the utility of gender identity fields in retrospectively identifying transgender patients, which is important for clinical care, as well as population health management, remains unknown. Clinic operations, EHRs, clinic culture, clinic environment, resource availability and staff education are all characteristics of healthcare clinics that can be improved to better facilitate high-quality dermatological care for transgender patients. In addition to basic demographic details, transgender individuals may face unique dermatological needs. Exogenous hormones affect hair and sebum production. Hormonal therapy leads to drastic skin alterations, impacting on sebum production, hair growth and acne, all of which may become a dermatological concern for transgender patients. Dermatologists have the opportunity to not only improve transgender patient care, but also their experience of healthcare. It is imperative that EHRs can provide accurate gender identity data and correct name use to close the gap in inequality in transgender population healthcare.