Spiritual Care for People who are Transitioning Gender - version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Modelling Transgender Spiritual Care: Pilot Framework for People Undergoing Gender Transition in an NHS England Gender Clinic
IRAS ID
235694
Contact name
Susannah Cornwall
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
The study investigates views about spiritual care provision for people undergoing gender transition at the West of England NHS Specialist Gender Identity Clinic (also known as The Laurels). Later on, the study will gather feedback on the design and likely efficacy of a draft spiritual care framework. The study investigates the perspectives of a) current staff at The Laurels, b) current patients of The Laurels, and c) people who have gone through gender transition in the past, which may include some former patients of The Laurels. This is of importance given that the NHS Contract of Care states that all patients’ spiritual and religious needs must be provided for in their care, but that currently no framework for how this is to be provided for patients of gender clinics exists. It is also of importance given the long waiting times for treatment in NHS England gender clinics, and the fact that anecdotal evidence suggests a significant portion of transgender and nonbinary people experience mental health problems prior to transition, which may be exacerbated by spiritual distress or alienation from religious communities. A potential benefit is improved spiritual care, via the adoption of the draft framework. Eligible groups include a) current staff working at The Laurels, b) current patients at The Laurels (during any stage from referral to discharge from the service), and c) people who have already undergone transition, which may include some former patients of The Laurels. The research is questionnaire-based: questionnaires on current and possible future spiritual care provision (which may include paper copies and e-versions) will be distributed at The Laurels and may be publicized there. Participants will respond in writing. The study will last until August 2019. A first questionnaire will be distributed in early 2018 and a second in late 2018-early 2019.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SW/0001
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jan 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion