Care of Gender Expansive and Transgender Patients Topic Brief-Care of Gender Expansive and Transgender Patients Topic Brief

Pdf Summary

This topic brief provides an overview of caring for gender-expansive and transgender patients in the emergency care setting. It emphasizes the importance of providing a safe, equitable, and accepting environment for all patients, regardless of their gender identity. The document defines key terms such as gender identity and transgender and dispels misconceptions about being transgender, such as it being a mental illness.<br /><br />The topic brief highlights the barriers that gender-expansive and transgender individuals face in accessing healthcare, including reluctance to disclose their gender identity, lack of provider experience and resources, and structural and financial barriers. It emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to receive education and training on transgender care to improve their understanding of the unique medical and behavioral health concerns of this patient population.<br /><br />Creating a supportive healthcare environment is crucial in the emergency care setting. The topic brief provides recommendations for healthcare professionals, such as using non-gender specific terms when addressing patients, avoiding probing questions about gender affirmation during triage, and implementing cultural sensitivity training. It also suggests creating gender-affirming policies, offering all-gender restrooms, and collecting data on patient gender identity in electronic health records.<br /><br />The topic brief discusses the health disparities that transgender individuals face, including increased risk for certain cancers, sexually transmitted infections, and mental health challenges. It also highlights the risks and complications associated with the gender-affirming process, including the use of hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries.<br /><br />In conclusion, the topic brief emphasizes the importance of eliminating barriers and disparities in healthcare for gender-expansive and transgender patients. It highlights the role of emergency nurses in creating an affirming and inclusive environment and calls for further research and education to better understand and address the healthcare needs of this patient population.

Meta Tag

gender cisgender

gender anxiety

gender suicide

gender LGBTQ

gender LGBT

gender access

gender disparities

Keywords

gender-expansive

transgender patients

emergency care

safe environment

gender identity

barriers to healthcare

transgender care training

health disparities

inclusive environment

healthcare needs