Community-based model for adolescent transgender health care.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate whether transgender and non-binary (TGNB) youth prefer health care received in a community-based setting.

Methods: All patients aged 12-18 years over a 1-year period presenting for transgender health care to either Tauranga Paediatrics, Maternal Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (MiCAMHS) or Gender Dynamix (a community-based TGNB health service) were invited to complete an anonymous online survey about their experience of health care. Responses were obtained from 39 participants (68.4% response rate).

Results: Overall, patient responses indicated a preference for health care at Gender Dynamix. Adolescents preferred wait times (79%), as well as the physical environment (97%). Respondents felt less stigma in the community-based setting (68%). Information sharing and family and whanau support was high at both Gender Dynamix (94%; 86%) and Tauranga Paediatrics (86%; 86%), and low at MiCAMHS (33%; 32%). Patients were more likely to report being heard at Gender Dynamix (91%). Patients felt respected by staff (Gender Dynamix = 100%, Tauranga Paediatrics = 79% and MiCAMHS = 50%). All three services also had a high quality of health care (Gender Dynamix = 94%, Tauranga Paediatrics = 64% and MiCAMHS = 50%). For respondents who had seen a paediatrician in multiple locations, 100% of respondents preferred to be seen at Gender Dynamix (n = 13).

Conclusions: TGNB youth prefer to receive their health care in a community-based setting.