Here are some statistics about transgender patients and healthcare: 40% of trans patients have had a negative experience in healthcare, 18% avoid accessing healthcare for fear of negative reactions (National LGBT Survey 2018).
As healthcare students, we can improve health outcomes for this population. Here are some important tips to remember when speaking with trans patients:
Be respectful!
…As with all patients. It sounds obvious but remember that a trans patient is like any other patient and they can have any illness. Diagnostic overshadowing is common.
Ask!
If you’re not sure how to refer to someone or what pronouns to use, then ask instead of assuming. If you make a mistake apologise and move on quickly then don’t make the same mistake again
Don’t ask unnecessary questions!
Don’t ask invasive non-medically necessary questions, including around genitalia or physical transition. This is not appropriate.
Non-binary people exist!
Not all trans people are either men or women, a non-binary person might use they/them or other pronouns. Again, just ask how someone wants to be referred to and listen!
Trans people face inequalities and barriers to healthcare!
It is important to recognise that this community can face specific challenges when it comes to health and accessing healthcare due to discrimination.
- Waiting lists for NHS gender-affirming care
- Recent ban on puberty blockers
- Mental health difficulties are twice as likely (Saunders et al, 2023)
Also trans people are not just patients, they are colleagues, loved ones and peers. Be respectful at all times. Challenge negative attitudes and use of discriminatory language when you hear them.
References:
- National LGBT survey: Summary report (2018). United Kingdom: Government Equalities
- Office. Saunders, C.L. et al. (2023) ‘Demographic characteristics, long-term health conditions and healthcare experiences of 6333 trans and non-binary adults in England: Nationally representative evidence from the 2021 GP patient survey’, BMJ Open, 13(2). doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068099.
Turban, J. et al. (2017) ‘Ten things transgender and gender nonconforming youth want their doctors to know’, Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 56(4), pp. 275–277. doi:10.1016/j.jaac.2016