Paul H Chung1, Sabina Spigner2, Vishal Swaminathan3, Seth Teplitsky3, Rosemary Frasso2. 1. Department of Urology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA. Electronic address: Paul.Chung@jefferson.edu. 2. College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA. 3. Department of Urology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe perspectives and experiences related to urology care-seeking of transgender and non-binary (TGNB) individuals assigned male at birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This HIPAA-compliant study was IRB approved and followed Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) guidelines. Through semistructured interviews, perspectives, and experiences of individuals related to urology care-seeking were explored. Open-ended questions were designed to elicit a range of responses rather than quantifiable data. Thematic codes were developed and explicitly defined. Codes pertaining to patient experiences were assessed and described. RESULTS: Twenty-five TGNB individuals assigned male at birth were interviewed. Participants reported an array of factors that informed and inhibited care-seeking, factors that framed individual urologic care experiences, and their overall impression of the healthcare system's ability to effectively and respectfully serve the TGNB population. Specifically, participants reported that prior negative healthcare experiences dissuaded them from seeking care such as feeling discriminated against and having a lack of trust in providers. Additionally, participants reported feeling a need and responsibility to "educate" providers on both their medical needs and psychosocial experiences. Participants were also unclear how best to identify "trans-friendly" urologists who are culturally competent and have appropriate medical knowledge. CONCLUSION: TGNB individuals face significant barriers to care for unique healthcare needs. TGNB participants described care avoidance and reported experiences of healthcare discrimination. These data highlight the importance for urologists to understand the perspectives and historical experiences of these individuals who may seek urological care.
OBJECTIVE: To describe perspectives and experiences related to urology care-seeking of transgender and non-binary (TGNB) individuals assigned male at birth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This HIPAA-compliant study was IRB approved and followed Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) guidelines. Through semistructured interviews, perspectives, and experiences of individuals related to urology care-seeking were explored. Open-ended questions were designed to elicit a range of responses rather than quantifiable data. Thematic codes were developed and explicitly defined. Codes pertaining to patient experiences were assessed and described. RESULTS: Twenty-five TGNB individuals assigned male at birth were interviewed. Participants reported an array of factors that informed and inhibited care-seeking, factors that framed individual urologic care experiences, and their overall impression of the healthcare system's ability to effectively and respectfully serve the TGNB population. Specifically, participants reported that prior negative healthcare experiences dissuaded them from seeking care such as feeling discriminated against and having a lack of trust in providers. Additionally, participants reported feeling a need and responsibility to "educate" providers on both their medical needs and psychosocial experiences. Participants were also unclear how best to identify "trans-friendly" urologists who are culturally competent and have appropriate medical knowledge. CONCLUSION: TGNB individuals face significant barriers to care for unique healthcare needs. TGNB participants described care avoidance and reported experiences of healthcare discrimination. These data highlight the importance for urologists to understand the perspectives and historical experiences of these individuals who may seek urological care.
Authors: Paul H Chung; Vishal Swaminathan; Sabina T Spigner; Joon Yau Leong; Jessica Bulafka; Rosemary Frasso Journal: Sex Med Date: 2022-09-02 Impact factor: 2.523