NHS DOCUMENTATION AND RESEARCH
(1) Trans people’s health – Reducing health inequalities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people – briefings for health and social care staff.
“Although social attitudes have become more accepting towards trans people, there is a persistent assumption that there are only two genders (female and male) and that one’s gender is assigned from birth and cannot be changed.
Trans people still face prejudice. This continues to limit their employment opportunities (despite legislation prohibiting discrimination); their personal relationships; their access to goods, services and housing; their health status; their safety in both public and private spheres; and their access to health and social care. Trans activists have lobbied for a shift in social and health perspectives from gender pathology (a disease or abnormality) to gender nonconformity (trans people do not conform to society’s narrow view about gender).”
Dr Julie Fish (De Montfort University) for the DH Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Advisory Group.
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(2) Healthcare Issues for Transgender People living in Northern Ireland – Ruari-Santiago McBride (July 2011, Institute of Conflict Research)
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(3) Trans – a practical guide for the NHS
Report / Guidance on Trans gender and how to ensure inclusion of and equality for trans people Christine Burns MBE.
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(4) An introduction to working with transgender people: information for health and social care staff – Department of Health
This leaflet is intended to support staff to ensure that transgender people do not experience discrimination and prejudice in service delivery.
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(5) WPATH Standards of Care for Transgender People (Version 7)
The World Professional Association for Transgender Health promotes the highest standards of health care for individuals through the articulation of Standards of Care (SOC) for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People. The overall goal of the SOC is to provide clinical guidance for health professionals to assist transsexual, transgender, and gender nonconforming people with safe and effective pathways to achieving lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves, in order to maximize their overall health, psychological well-being, and self-fulfillment. This assistance may include primary care, gynecologic and urologic care, reproductive options, voice and communication therapy, mental health services (e.g., assessment, counseling, psychotherapy), and hormonal and surgical treatments. While this is primarily a document for health professionals, the SOC may also be used by individuals, their families, and social institutions to understand how they can assist with promoting optimal health for members of this diverse population.
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(6) Trans Mental Health Study -by the Equality Network 2012
This research represents the largest survey of its kind in Europe, providing ground-breaking data on trans people’s mental health needs and experiences, explored in the context of daily life, social/support mechanisms and when accessing healthcare and mental health services. Central here was an exploration of how the process of transitioning (social and/or medical) impacts mental health and wellbeing. The research was unique in its exploration of both the positive and negative impact that being trans has on mental health and wellbeing.
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(7) Good practice guidelines for the assessment and treatment of adults with gender dysphoria
Produced by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and published in Oct 2013, these are the guidelines currently in use in Northern Ireland. This report is only available online; to download a copy as a pdf file click title above. Or to access the document through the website of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, click CLICK HERE to go to their site.
“Gender variance is not uncommon, and the number of people seeking treatment in Gender Identity Clinics is increasing rapidly. A survey of 10,000 people undertaken in 2012 by the Equality and Human Rights Commission found that 1% of the population was gender variant to some extent – though this figure cannot be assumed to be representative of the whole population. Historically, more women sought treatment than men, but this difference is reducing.
People often find it difficult to confide their feelings of gender dysphoria to their GP because they fear ridicule, guilt or shame, or are concerned about delays in getting treatment on the NHS. This has led to increasing numbers of people self-medicating using hormones and hormone-blockers available via the internet. It is estimated that up to 40% of people with gender dysphoria may not be receiving appropriate help.
This report makes a series of recommendations to ensure gender dysphoria patients get the best possible care. It covers the areas of hormone treatment, surgical interventions, speech and language therapy, and general medical care.
The provision of care for patients experiencing gender dysphoria is an excellent example of an area where multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary care is not only good practice but ensures that a wide choice of treatment pathways are offered, tailored to the needs of the individual patient. This report aims to optimise the clinical care pathways for patients who may need to access several medical and allied health professionals.
The best practice guidelines – which are endorsed by 13 separate organisations – have been drawn up by a multidisciplinary working group that included representation from psychiatry, endocrinology, gynaecology, urology, general practice, nursing, psychology, psychotherapy and speech and language therapy, as well as representation from patient groups. It is the first time that so many different groups have come together to agree a common set of guidelines”
Information also located under the Research section.
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(8) Think child, think parent, think family: a guide to parental mental health and child welfare
Produced by the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership (CYPSP) who work with agencies, children and young people, families and communities across Northern Ireland to improve outcomes for children and young people through integrated planning and commissioning. This guide is about working with parents who have mental health problems and their children. It provides guidance on policy and practice and makes recommendations for key areas of professional education, workforce development and research. It also provides links to useful resources and contact details of relevant organisations. It is also relevant for those delivering pre- and post-qualifying education and training to health and social care staff and others responsible for workforce development.
People who use services and their carers will find useful information on what they can expect from services and where they can go for more information.
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