Affiliation:
1. Elizabeth Raybould Centre, Dartford, UK
Abstract
Background/Aims Those identifying as transgender make up a significant and growing number of individuals. They face discrimination in healthcare and have been known to have adverse physical and mental health outcomes because of stigma. A study was carried out to ascertain how doctors perceive and interact with their transgender patients. Methods The attitudes of doctors, working in mental and physical healthcare settings in a borough in south-east England, towards transgender patients were evaluated by administering a standardised questionnaire. Results The response rate was 22%. Most doctors who responded had encountered a transgender patient, but consultants were more likely to identify and interact with them comfortably, used their preferred pronouns, and knew about policies relating to their care than trainee doctors. Conclusions These findings add to the growing data regarding the perceptions about transgender patients in healthcare settings.