Health practitioner and student attitudes to caring for transgender patients in Tasmania: an exploratory qualitative study

Background and objectives

Healthcare practitioners struggle to provide inclusive and affirming care to transgender people. This study examined Tasmanian healthcare practitioners’ and students’ understandings and approaches to trans health.

Methods

The study comprised qualitative semi-structured interviews with 17 healthcare practitioners (doctors, psychologists, nurses, and other allied health workers) and students (medicine, nursing, and pharmacy) across Tasmania, Australia. Data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

We identified three key themes: 1) Lack of training, 2) Limited resources to support trans patients, 3) The importance and challenges of trans-inclusive language.

Discussion

Healthcare practitioners faced challenges providing inclusive and affirming healthcare for trans people due to limited experience with trans patients, and few educational opportunities and referral pathways to support patients. Healthcare practitioners need better support and resources to improve quality of care.