Improving the Integration of Care for Trans Adults (ICTA)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Before, During and After Gender Identity Specialist Services: improving the integration of care for trans adults
IRAS ID
262467
Contact name
Richard W Holti
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Open University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
This research will develop models for the health services needed to support adults before, during and after they are seen by an NHS specialist gender identity service (GIS). This is recognised as a crucial issue by many trans (or transgender) people, by many who work in NHS specialist services and by the voluntary sector organisations that advocate for and support trans people. A recent House of Commons Select Committee Report on Transgender Equalities (2016) concluded that 'The NHS is failing trans people'. GPs and voluntary sector organisations are usually involved in initial assessment and support of people who want to be seen by a GIS. People may then need help from a range of other health or mental health services as they are further assessed and prepared for treatment through hormones or surgery, and whilst they are receiving it. Following discharge from the specialist service they need continuing care from their GP and possibly other NHS services to support them in living well. There is evidence that the integration between these diverse services is often poor. However there are also local examples of innovation instigated by the specialist services and by voluntary sector organisations, where GP practices and mental health services have taken steps to improve what they offer trans people.
This research project brings together a unique collaboration of clinicians who work with trans people, voluntary sector organisations, health services researchers, psychologists and academic specialists in sexuality, gender and health. They will collaborate with people in the trans community to learn from current initiatives to make services work better together and develop high quality guidance and online educational materials to help people in the NHS and the voluntary sector improve services. The research has the potential to improve the experience of service users and improve how services work together.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/EM/0289
Date of REC Opinion
16 Sep 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion