Perspectives From Nurses and Physicians on Training Needs and Comfort Working With Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth

Abstract

Introduction: Nurses and physicians receive minimal training about providing competent care to transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) patients, and training specific to TGD youth is particularly lacking. This qualitative study examined health care providers' experiences and attitudes about working with TGD youth to identify specific training needs.

Method: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 nurses and physicians who work with adolescents. Thematic analysis was used to characterize participants' responses.

Results: Five themes summarized participants' responses to interview questions: Training Regarding Gender Diversity, Discomfort With Gender-Related Topics, Reasons for Not Asking About Gender, Talking About Gender With Patients, and Need for Resources.

Discussion: Findings highlight multiple opportunities to improve provider education and care experiences of TGD youth. Specific training is needed to help providers manage discomfort with gender-related topics and simultaneously develop their knowledge of and skills for discussing gender issues.

Keywords: Adolescence; gender diverse; health care; medical training; transgender.