- Work in progress / Note for the FC Team -
1) Intro text example:
Trans people may experience anxiety or discomfort at the prospect of examinations when consulting a doctor or healthcare professional. Belgian studies from 2009 and 2017 (1–2) indicate that about 25% avoid regular healthcare altogether, and only 60% feel able to speak fully openly with their GP or provider. The FRA study (2020) further shows that 30% of transgender people in Belgium experienced discrimination in healthcare within the previous year (3). These barriers have clear negative effects on overall health outcomes, including delayed diagnosis, underutilization of preventive care, and increased reliance on emergency services (add ref).
This highlights the need to not only create a safe(r) healthcare environment where people feel respected and welcome, but also to strengthen providers’ skills in inclusive communication and consultation, that are often missing from standard medical training.
Evidence suggests that training healthcare professionals in gender-affirming practices, correct use of names and pronouns, and culturally sensitive history-taking can significantly improve patient trust, adherence, and overall health outcomes (add ref).
Sources:
- Motmans, J., De Biolley, I., & Debunne, S. (2009). Living as a transgender person in Belgium: Mapping the social and legal situation of transgender people. Institute for the equality of women and men: Brussels.
- Motmans, J., Wyverkens, E., Defreyne, J. (2017). Living as a transgender person in Belgium: Ten years later. Institute for the equality of women and men: Brussels.
- European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) (2020). A long way to go for LGBTI equality.
2) Then, there are several resources that we could use, some of which come from our partners, to tackle the theme of inclusive communication and consulation.
Domus Medica
UZGhent
Cavaria trainings
...
Next steps:
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Check whether these resources (or parts of them) can be incorporated into the tool without infringing copyright.
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Evaluate which elements are the most important and impactful to keep in the tool (FGDs?)
