Care of transgender patients by diagnostic radiographers: What can be learnt from the literature

Journal article


Hammond, C and Lockwood, P. 2023. Care of transgender patients by diagnostic radiographers: What can be learnt from the literature. Radiography. 30 (1), pp. 145-150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2023.10.020
AuthorsHammond, C and Lockwood, P.
Abstract

Introduction: Transgender patients have described negative healthcare experiences, including discrimination and feeling unwelcome. Additionally, these patients are at risk of inadequate or unsafe care due to healthcare providers being unable to obtain and record transgender patients’ correct gender and assigned birth sex. This literature review aims to review radiology and radiographer articles published since 2018 about transgender healthcare issues and make recommendations that can be applied by diagnostic radiographers, their managers and diagnostic radiography programme providers.

Method: A literature search used multiple databases containing peer-reviewed articles. Boolean operators and key words were utilised. Identified articles were searched to identify any articles not found by searching the databases. Themes and sub-themes from each paper were identified and discussed.

Results: Three key themes were identified: education, systems and environment. Education sub-themes were knowledge and awareness. Systems sub-themes were recording gender correctly and discriminating/stigmatising policies. Environment sub-themes were transgender-friendly symbols and environmental dysphoria.

Conclusion: Transgender patients still face barriers to equitable care. Several recommendations were made based on the thematic discussion that could be applied by diagnostic radiographers, student radiographers, radiology managers, University training providers, and professional body organisations. Diagnostic radiography programmes should include training on both clinical topics and cultural competence. Radiology managers should display transgender-positive symbols in their departments and ensure their policies are non-discriminatory and non-stigmatising. Radiology hardware and software providers should provide the ability to record non-binary genders and birth-assigned sex.

Implications for Practice: Transgender patients have the right to receive equitable care from diagnostic radiographers during their imaging examination and radiology attendance, and that any risks relating to their transgender status should be correctly managed with appropriate sensitivity.

KeywordsTransgender; Gender identity; Non-cisgendered; Radiography; Patient care
Year2023
JournalRadiography
Journal citation30 (1), pp. 145-150
PublisherElsevier
ISSN1078-8174
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2023.10.020
Official URLhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1078817423002158
Publication dates
Online29 Nov 2023
PrintJan 2024
Publication process dates
Accepted25 Oct 2023
Deposited04 Dec 2023
Accepted author manuscript
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All rights reserved
File Access Level
Restricted
Publisher's version
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File Access Level
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