Exploring The Transgender Individual's Experience With Healthcare Interactions: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to provide a transgender narrative on healthcare interactions to increase visibility and awareness of transgender-identified issues in accessing care. This study aimed to: (a) examine how transgender individuals perceive and experience interactions with trained healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physicians, and mental health professionals, (b) identify common issues related to transgender individuals' barriers to care, and (c) identify how these barriers affect a transgender individual's ability to access health care.

Design

A phenomenological approach was used.

Methods

The nine transgender-identified participants received a demographic questionnaire followed by a virtual semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data.

Findings

The themes that emerged from the data were (a) challenges with accessing health care, (b) inconsistent healthcare information, and (c) disenfranchised versus empowered experiences.

Conclusion

The results of this study not only provided an opportunity for the transgender participants to share their experiences, but also provides educational information for healthcare providers to improve their future interactions with transgender patients.

Clinical relevance

Identifying the transgender patient with the correct name and pronoun, providing a welcoming and open healthcare environment, and knowing where to locate transgender health resources will improve the transgender patient's healthcare experience.