Enhancing Transgender Care Through Electronic Consultations
Access to transgender healthcare is a critical issue that has been inadequately addressed in many regions, including Canada. The study titled "Evaluation of an electronic consultation service for transgender care" provides valuable insights into how electronic consultations (eConsults) can bridge the gap between primary care providers and transgender care specialists, significantly improving access to care.
Understanding the Study
The study conducted a retrospective mixed-methods analysis of 62 eConsults submitted by primary care providers to transgender care specialists in Eastern Ontario, Canada, between January 2017 and December 2018. The primary aim was to evaluate the impact of eConsults on access to care and to analyze the content of clinical questions asked by primary care providers.
Key Findings
- Improved Access: The median response time from specialists was 1.2 days, significantly reducing the wait time for specialist advice from months to days.
- Avoided Referrals: Approximately one-third of eConsults resulted in avoided face-to-face referrals, freeing up resources for more urgent cases.
- Common Themes: Six major themes emerged from the eConsults, including the management of abnormal bloodwork, hormone therapy initiation, and the management of adverse effects.
Implications for Practitioners
The study highlights several areas where primary care providers may lack knowledge, such as hormone therapy management and transition-related surgery counseling. This presents an opportunity for practitioners to seek further education and training in transgender care.
Moreover, the findings suggest that eConsults not only improve access to care but also serve as a valuable educational tool for primary care providers, offering insights and guidance that can enhance their practice.
Moving Forward
For practitioners looking to improve their skills in transgender care, engaging with eConsult services and participating in continuing education sessions focused on the themes identified in the study can be highly beneficial. Additionally, organizations developing guidelines for transgender care can use these insights to refine their recommendations and address existing knowledge gaps.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Evaluation of an electronic consultation service for transgender care.
