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Perioperative Care of the Transgender Patient
Author(s) -
Smith Francis Duval
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/j.aorn.2015.12.003
Subject(s) - transgender , health care , competence (human resources) , medicine , perioperative , gender dysphoria , mental health , psychology , nursing , psychiatry , clinical psychology , family medicine , social psychology , surgery , political science , psychoanalysis , law
Transgender patients are individuals whose gender identity is not related to their biological sex. Assuming a new gender identity that does not conform to societal norms often results in discrimination and barriers to health care. The exact number of transgender patients is unknown; however, these patients are increasingly seen in health care. Transgender individuals may experience provider‐generated discrimination in health care facilities, including refusal of service, disrespect, and abuse, which contribute to depression and low self‐esteem. Transgender therapies include mental health counseling for depression and low self‐esteem, hormone therapy, and sex reassignment surgery. Health care professionals require cultural competence, an understanding of the different forms of patient identification, and adaptive approaches to care for transgender patients. VA (Veterans Affairs) hospitals provide a model for the care for transgender patients and staff.