Research Article: Trans-Inclusive Communication and Self-Perceived Barriers to It, as Reported by Doctors—A Mixed-Methods Survey in Germany
Abstract:
The majority of transgender and gender-nonconforming people (TGNC) report negative experiences with doctors in the healthcare system. As there is little knowledge about the communication behaviour of doctors towards TGNC, this survey aimed to assess the self-reported trans-inclusive communication of doctors and their willingness to communicate trans-inclusively, as well as their self-perceived barriers to it. A mixed-methods survey was applied for this. Firstly, we measured self-reported trans-inclusive communication behaviour based on the CommTrans questionnaire. Based on this, the overall willingness, as well as self-perceived barriers (qualitative) to communication, were assessed. In total, N = 57 doctors took part in the survey. Most participants reported not introducing themselves using pronouns (79.4%). Of these, 61.4% said that they would not be able to do this in the future either. Perceived barriers were classified into the following eight categories: necessity, sample-dependency, habit, structural barriers in practice, uncertainties in dealing with the topic, limits of patient-centredness, gender as a binary concept, and transphobia. In summary, doctors in Germany show different degrees of trans-inclusive communication. It is likely that this has a negative effect on TGNC, their health and access to the healthcare system.
Introduction:
The umbrella term transgender and gender-nonconforming people (TGNC) is used for individuals who do not identify fully and constantly with the sex they have been assigned at birth [1]. TGNC individuals might identify with a different gender recognised by society (male/female) [2], or they might associate themselves with both, between or neither male nor female [2]. Studies suggest that about 80% of all TGNC individuals identify with a binary gender concept (male/female), whereas 20% identify as gender-diverse,…
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