Summary: A recent study shows that many transgender and transsexual patients actually refused healthcare because they felt safer doing so.A recent study in the Annals of Emergency Medicine found that 21% of transgender and transsexual patients actually refused emergency care because they felt safer outside of the ER. Adding to this, many patients had negative experiences in the past with ER physicians and staff. Many issues can result from a lack of communication between trans patients and physicians. It is important that caregivers get as much information as possible in order to best treat the patient. It is also important that the emergency care providers make trans patients feel comfortable. The study findings paint a sad picture. However, this awareness will hopefully make ER staff open their minds and provide safe healthcare for every person that needs it. Join Dr. Leigh and special guest, Dr. Greta Bauer, PhD, MPH, as they discuss this eye-opening study.
