32217 Transgender Therapy

Course overview

Describes characteristics and healthcare experiences of the transgender population; commonly used terms used when referring to transgender populations; eligibility and readiness criteria for treatment in transgender children, adolescents and adults; medication therapy, associated risks, and patient monitoring during hormone treatment; eligibility and readiness criteria for surgical therapy of transgender adults; and long-term preventative screening and primary care for the transgender population. Transgender patients face barriers to receiving appropriate medical services related to their transition, often due to past experiences, rejection and violence in healthcare settings. Nurses and other healthcare professionals are in a position to facilitate client readiness by providing education regarding the medical treatments being considered, helping clients to decide which path is most appropriate for their transition process. Patients seeking to transition from one gender to another have various treatment options available, and it is crucial for providers and other healthcare professionals to have basic knowledge regarding the benefits and risks of all treatment options, such as hormone therapy or surgical procedures, as well as the long-term implications related to the transition process. By educating nurses and practitioners regarding transgender population characteristics and healthcare experiences, as well as treatment options for transition, better patient outcomes can be achieved.