Barriers and Facilitators to Gender-affirming Hormone Therapy in the Veterans Health Administration.
Ann Behav Med
; 57(12): 1014-1023, 2023 11 16.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37436725
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) policy mandates the provision of several gender-affirming health services, including gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). GAHT can improve quality of life among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients by more closely aligning their physical self with their internal sense of self. We conducted interviews with 30 TGD patients and 22 VHA healthcare providers to gather their perspectives on barriers and facilitators to GAHT in the VHA. Findings revealed that facilitators of GAHT access included information sharing through social networks and relying on providers in primary care or specialized TGD health clinics for prescribing, while barriers included a shortage of trained providers and patient dissatisfaction with prescribing practices. Anticipating or experiencing stigma from providers and other patients was also identified as a barrier to GAHT. To overcome barriers, participants recommended increasing provider capacity, offering continuous education on GAHT prescribing, and improving communication about VHA policies and training. Comprehensive improvements at various levels, both within and outside the VHA, are necessary to improve access to this important evidence-based treatment for TGD patients.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Pessoas Transgênero
/
Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero
Tipo de estudo:
Guideline
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Ann Behav Med
Assunto da revista:
CIENCIAS DO COMPORTAMENTO
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos