Addressing Barriers to Preventative Health Care for Transgender Populations: A Systems Approach to Improving Access to Gynecological Care

The current study addresses the lack of research exploring the individual and systemic barriers to accessing gynecological care for transgender populations. An integrated mixed-methods needs assessment was designed to explore the individual and systemic barriers to gynecological health care for transgender and gender diverse populations. Participants of the study included established community providers known to serve the transgender community through advocacy or research efforts, as well as clinical psychologists and medical professionals working in gynecological settings. The study includes a brief quantitative survey, which measured “Perceptions of Inclusivity Importance” among key stakeholders. Following the survey, participants were invited to engage in an individual, semi-structured phone interview. Using a modified grounded theory approach to inform data analysis, this study identified themes to reflect the barriers expressed by medical and research providers regarding access to gynecological care for transgender populations. Results from the 7 individual interviews with key informants indicated that the largest barriers trans patients face when seeking health care include: employment, lack of trained medical professionals, and difficulties working with insurance companies. Specific recommendations from key informants also suggested that medical care providers adopt a collaborative and specialized care approach when working with trans patients