Adolescents' retrospective suggestions for improving children's services in gender identity clinics in the Netherlands

Treatment for transgender adolescents is available since 25 years and started in the Netherlands. Also, alongside support groups, counseling services and patient organisations are becoming more involved in scientific research... [ view full abstract ]

Treatment for transgender adolescents is available since 25 years and started in the Netherlands. Also, alongside support groups, counseling services and patient organisations are becoming more involved in scientific research from patients’ perspective. Since the treatment of transgender youth is moving on towards a more mature level and the number of ex-youth patients has increased significantly over the past decade, we think an evaluation on the care for these children would be useful.

The objective of this study is threefold: (1) to come up with suggestions forexpansion of the youth treatment protocol from ex-youth patients’ and their parents’ perspective as well as professionals’ perspective; (2) to... [ view full abstract ]

The objective of this study is threefold: (1) to come up with suggestions for
expansion of the youth treatment protocol from ex-youth patients’ and their parents’ perspective as well as professionals’ perspective; (2) to give ex-youth patients and their parents the opportunity to evaluate the services without a conflict of interest between patient and medical professional; and (3) to better align and possibly expand services offered by gender identity clinics and patient organisations.

After a literature study the qualitative retrospective study will start in 2017 by the use of focus groups with ex-youth transgender patients and professionals and single interviews with one of their parents. Ex-youth... [ view full abstract ]

After a literature study the qualitative retrospective study will start in 2017 by the use of focus groups with ex-youth transgender patients and professionals and single interviews with one of their parents. Ex-youth patients of the VUmc Medical Center Amsterdam who started treatment with puberty inhibitors as a minor between 2000 and 2008 will be asked to participate in focus groups. The parents of participants are invited to participate in an interview. Patients currently waiting for gender surgery or less than 6 months after surgery will be excluded. At least 2 focus groups will be held with 6 to 8 participants. In the second part of the project, after analysis of the major themes, workshops for next generation transgender adolescents (and/or professionals) will be developed, tested and implemented.

The focus groups will be audiotaped, transcribed and coded. Subjects in focus groups and interviews are focused on the following: experiences with the treatment in the hospital, communication interactions with healthcare... [ view full abstract ]

The focus groups will be audiotaped, transcribed and coded. Subjects in focus groups and interviews are focused on the following: experiences with the treatment in the hospital, communication interactions with healthcare staff, taking part (or not) in communication and decision-making, preferences for decision-making, factors that influenced participation and the experienced and fulfillment of needs in health- and psychosocial care. Based on the identified factors that may enhance or hinder participation, workshops for youth (and/or professionals) are designed and implemented in collaboration with patient organisations and/or gender identity clinics.

Ultimately the project results in qualitative ex-youth patient feedback for gender identity clinics and other gender identity care services to evaluate the experience with the treatment protocols and improve care providers... [ view full abstract ]

Ultimately the project results in qualitative ex-youth patient feedback for gender identity clinics and other gender identity care services to evaluate the experience with the treatment protocols and improve care providers interaction with youth patients and parents. Beyond diagnosis and medical treatment, patient organisations can take up their roles as not only mentors but also as trainers of young patients.

Our project comprises an analysis of the current state of treatment of transgender youth in the Netherlands and a practical approach towards what we can do to smoothen the intense treatment procedure. All in all, we call for... [ view full abstract ]

Our project comprises an analysis of the current state of treatment of transgender youth in the Netherlands and a practical approach towards what we can do to smoothen the intense treatment procedure. All in all, we call for action of both trans health professionals and ex-youth to start working together towards these goals on the basis of equality by making use of their respective professional and personal experience.