Listening to Transgender Patients and Their Providers in Non-Metropolitan Spaces: Needs, Gaps, and Patient-Provider Discrepancies

Michelle Teti, L. A. Bauerband, Tyler W. Myroniuk and Erica Koegler
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Michelle Teti: Department of Public Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
L. A. Bauerband: Department of Health Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
Tyler W. Myroniuk: Department of Public Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
Erica Koegler: School of Social Work, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 20, 1-12

Abstract: Trans and gender non-conforming (TGNC) patients need better care; providers need TGNC focused medical trainings. TGNC health conferences can help, yet these events occur mostly in urban centers. Meanwhile, patients in non-metropolitan areas often face significant discrimination and notably poor access to TGNC care. This study explores the ongoing needs of TGNC patients and their providers following a one-day TGNC health conference in a small town in the American Midwest. Exploratory semi-structured interviews were used to gather in-depth information from TGNC conference attendees (N = 25). Theme analysis methods were used to identify areas of need for future trainings. Providers reported that they needed more exposure to TGNC patients, judgement-free opportunities to learn the basics about TGNC care, and ongoing trainings integrated into their medical school and ongoing education credits. Patients needed better access to care, more informed providers, and safer clinics. They cited lack of specialty care (e.g., mental health, surgery) as particularly problematic in a non-metropolitan setting. TGNC patients, and their providers in non-metropolitan areas, urgently need support. Patients lack specialized care and often possess greater knowledge than their health care teams; providers, in these areas, lack opportunities to work with patients and stay up to date on treatments.

Keywords: transgender; health care providers; cultural competence; rural; non-metropolitan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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