Transgender patient care in urology: an evaluation of attitudes, knowledge, and practice patterns among urologists in the New York metropolitan area

Abstract

IntroductionTransgender (TG) individuals suffer from significant health disparities, due in part to deficiencies in physician knowledge or comfort with addressing TG health care needs. This study aims to assess the attitudes and clinical knowledge in caring for TG patients of a representative sample of urologists in the New York metropolitan area. MethodsAn anonymous, online-based questionnaire was sent to members of the New York Section of the American Urological Association. Statements evaluating knowledge and attitudes toward TG care were scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Results92 providers (83.7% male) participated in the study, of whom 78.3% (72/92) have been in practice for at least 15 years. With respect to physician attitudes, there was a trend toward greater comfort with discussion of gender identity and counseling on GCS based on total number of TG patients cared for over the course of their career. Regarding knowledge scores, there were no significant associations with physician age, gender, or years of practice. Despite the relatively weak self-reported fund of knowledge (2.64) and overall clinical competence (2.09), there was no overwhelming support to incorporate TG care into urology training curricula (3.11). ConclusionsDespite growing education and awareness of transgender-specific medical issues, many urologists self-report deficiencies in requisite knowledge and comfort in providing adequate, culturally competent care for TG patients. Further work is needed to increase our collective comfort level with this new and evolving aspect of our field.