RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Lived experiences of transgender and nonbinary people in the perioperative context: a qualitative study
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP E806
OP E815
DO 10.1503/cmaj.240061
VO 196
IS 24
A1 MacCormick, Hilary
A1 Johnson, Les T.
A1 Burchell, Drew
A1 Munro, Allana
A1 Lorello, Gianni R.
A1 George, Ronald B.
A1 Bould, M. Dylan
YR 2024
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/196/24/E806.abstract
AB Background: Transgender and nonbinary (TNB) people experience obstacles that create barriers to accessing health care, including stigmatization and health inequities. Our intention was to describe the lived experiences of TNB patients and identify potential gaps in the education of health care professionals.Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study influenced by phenomenology by interviewing with TNB adults who underwent surgery in Canada within the previous 5 years. We recruited participants using purposeful and snowball sampling via online social networking sites. Audio recordings were transcribed. Two authors coded the transcripts and derived the themes.Results: We interviewed 21 participants, with a median interview duration of 49 minutes. Participants described positive and negative health care encounters that led to stress, confusion, and feelings of vulnerability. Major themes included having to justify their need for health care in the face of structural discrimination; fear and previous traumatic experiences; community as a source of support and information; and the impact of interactions with health care professionals.Interpretation: Participants detailed barriers to accessing care, struggled to participate in shared decision-making, and desired trauma-informed care principles; they described strength in community and positive interactions with health care professionals, although barriers to accessing gender-affirming care often overshadowed other aspects of the perioperative experience. Additional research, increased education for health care professionals, and policy changes are necessary to improve access to competent care for TNB people.See related editorial at www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.240878