Working with transgender clients: learning from physicians and nurses to improve occupational therapy practice.
BACKGROUND
Gender identity disorder and the process of transitioning involve both mental and physical health, yet there is virtually no discussion of transgender health care in occupational therapy.


OBJECTIVE
This study draws on interviews with primary-care nurses and physicians about their experience with transgender health care, extending the insights gleaned there to make suggestions for occupational therapy practice with this population.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 primary care nurses and 9 physicians who had clinical experience with lesbian, gay, and bisexual patients.


RESULTS
Participants felt uncertain about transgender care, wanting more specialized knowledge. Collaborating with patients, acknowledging stigma, ensuring inclusive systems and procedures, navigating health care, and providing holistic care emerged as key elements for best practice. Advocacy was a crucial part of care provision.


CONCLUSIONS
Suggestions are provided for therapists to ensure that space and interactions are welcoming to transgender clients as well as suggestions for occupational therapy intervention in the transitioning process.
School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, 5869 University Avenue, Forrest Building, Room 215, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4R2. bbeagan@dal.ca
Brenda L
BL
Beagan
Alana
A
Chiasson
Cheryl A
CA
Fiske
Stephanie D
SD
Forseth
Alisha C
AC
Hosein
Marianne R
MR
Myers
Janine E
JE
Stang
D003142:Communication; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006801:Humans; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology; D011287:Prejudice; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D019529:Sexuality; D063106:Transgender Persons; D008297:Male; D005260:Female