What Patients Want in a Transgender Center: Building a Patient-Centered Program

J Health Care Poor Underserved. 2024;35(1):225-245.

Abstract

Gender affirmation is standard medical care, and community input is an essential component of patient-centered care. This study shares how our organization assessed patients' perceptions of health care organizations that provide gender-affirming care. Building on qualitative interview data, we distributed an online survey via a lesbian-gaybisexual-transgender-queer research firm. The survey was completed by 314 transgender individuals residing in 37 U.S. states and territories. Most respondents (69%) reported negative experiences seeking health care. Patients would travel long distances for competent providers and were more willing to seek care from an institution actively working to change a formerly negative reputation. Patients described high-quality organizations as prioritizing staff training (95.5%), having inclusive policies (93.3%), and hiring expert staff (86.0%). Programs should ensure cultural competency training for all staff. They should recruit and retain providers skilled in transgender medicine, especially trans-identified providers. Patient experience and reputation in the community influence where patients seek care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Patient-Centered Care* / organization & administration
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Transgender Persons* / psychology
  • United States
  • Young Adult