Education Creates Welcoming Environment for Transgender Patients

ED Manag. 2016 Aug;28(8):90-3.

Abstract

The ED often is the access point of choice for transgender patients who may be reluctant to interact with providers. Experts say there is a need for training and education of how to present a gender-affirming healthcare environment. Recommended steps include a review of policies, along with corresponding changes to electronic and paper intake forms to ensure that the language used is inclusive of all genders. While blanket discrimination may be declining, experts note that some providers are uncertain about how to interact with a transgender patient. It's always best to ask patients for their preferred name and pronoun and to repeat this exercise every three to six months for return patients, as gender identify can be fluid. To ease anxiety for transgender patients, consider developing a navigator program that will pair any transgender patient who requests the service with a trained advocate who can support and guide the patient through the system.

MeSH terms

  • Emergency Service, Hospital / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Health Services for Transgender Persons / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Inservice Training
  • Male
  • Prejudice / psychology
  • Social Discrimination / psychology
  • Social Stigma
  • Social Support*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Transgender Persons / psychology*
  • United States