Exploring the Patient Experience of Transgender People
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the Patient Experience of Transgender People
IRAS ID
169938
Contact name
Philip Burns
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 24 days
Research summary
Recent recognition of the health challenges faced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people within the UK has lead to substantial work towards improving the health service experience for such minority groups in Manchester. One such initiative is the Pride in Practice project led by Manchester's Lesbian and Gay Foundation (LGF) to support GP practices in improving health outcomes for their LGB patients. Recently, the LGF has made the decision to move towards a more trans-inclusive model which recognises the needs of transpeople as well as LGB people.
The question therefore arises as to whether Pride in Practice is an appropriate model for improving transpeople’s experience of healthcare. This study begins with a review of the literature surrounding LGBT healthcare. Qualitative methodologies will be used to explore the specific primary care health needs and experience of the trans population. This will initiate with analysis of existing data on transpeople's primary health care experience and move on to include focus groups and semi-structured interviews.
The study uses a grounded theory approach to explore the specific primary care health needs of a transgender people. Existing data on transpeople's experience of primary care collected through patient engagement events will be analysed for some initial themes. Participants are to be identified from within the pool of LGF service users, and an initial focus group will be constituted from those service users. Individual interviews will then be conducted using a semi-structured approach. Themes are identified and analysed as they emerge until a point of saturation of themes is reached. Participants will also be asked to identify specific ways in which their individual patient experience could be improved. The data gathered will be collated to produce guidance points for improving transpeople's primary care patient experience and health outcomes.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0350
Date of REC Opinion
29 May 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion