Date of Publication
2024
Project Team
Project Advisor: Lili Martin, DNP, RN, PCCN
Abstract
Purpose: Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals are at a higher risk for depression and suicidality than their cisgender, heterosexual peers and risk increases without access to desired gender affirming care. Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is one method of medical transitioning and is within the scope of practice for primary care providers to prescribe. This quality improvement project aimed to increase student access to gender affirming care by providing education on GAHT and how to access it.
Methods: At a New England university’s LGBTQ+ student organization, presentations and an electronic infographic were created for students and staff regarding access to GAHT at the campus student health center. Students were surveyed after the presentation and staff were surveyed before and after the presentation to assess awareness of resources on campus and how to access them.
Results: Staff (n=5) and students (n=6) reported increased awareness of how to access GAHT on campus after the educational sessions. 100% of students reported an increase in knowledge of GAHT, and 67% agreed they were more likely to use the university student health center for gender affirming care after this programming. Staff understanding of student access to gender affirming care on campus increased from 67% to 100% post-intervention.
Conclusions: Lack of knowledge and awareness of resources is a significant barrier in access to gender affirming care. Improving communication between student health services and TGD students and supportive staff may increase access to needed care, including GAHT.
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Recommended Citation
Cross, Charlie, "Improving University Student Access to Gender Affirming Care" (2024). College of Nursing and Health Sciences Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Project Publications. 146.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/cnhsdnp/146