Transgender Health Care: Multi-Disciplinary Team Approach Prior to Female to Male Confirmation Surgery [3O

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare providers and medical centers are often challenged in comprehensively caring for the transgender population in a safe environment. In response to the Affordable Care Act supporting increased access to healthcare, it is important that the appropriate templates are put into place by all medical centers to ensure this community is provided with optimal clinical care and customer service. METHODS: An FTM individual was to be admitted to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for confirmation surgery (hysterectomy). To ensure the patient's clinical and customer service needs would be met during the hospitalization, it was decided that representatives from all possible points of interaction would meet to formulate a template of care before patient admission. This group included representation from Obstetrics/Gynecology, Urology, Endocrinology, Psychiatry, Anesthesiology, Nursing staff, Security, Registration, Pre-Admission Testing, Perioperative Services, Bio-Ethics, Patient Relations, Food & Nutrition services, and Housekeeping. RESULTS: This multi-disciplinary team approach allowed the medical team to prepare a customized care plan, which will now be used for transgender individuals admitted for confirmation surgery. It also was a venue during which the entire team could weigh in on how best to address issues such as continuation of current hormonal therapy (pre and post-operatively) and emotional and social support post-procedure. CONCLUSION: The gathering of a multi-disciplinary team assisted in the development of a template of care for transgender services that supports the delivery of quality patient care and exemplary customer service. This multi-disciplinary meeting prior to hospitalization is strongly recommended for all medical centers.