Radiology and radiation oncology considerations for transgender and intersex patients: A qualitative study

Authors

Mandi L. Pratt-Chapman, GW Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Joseph Astorino, GW Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Sharad Goyal, GW Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Berndt Schmit, GW Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Mei Ling Yap, Collaboration for Cancer Outcomes, Research and Evaluation (CCORE), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Shiv Bajaj, GW Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
Emily Angiulo, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

3-1-2023

Journal

Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology

Volume

67

Issue

2

DOI

10.1111/1754-9485.13516

Keywords

intersex; oncology; radiation; radiology; transgender

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In this qualitative study, we explored experiences of radiologists and radiation oncologists in providing clinical care to transgender, gender diverse (TGD), and intersex patients by asking about comfort level, relevant past training and training gaps, and clinical recommendations for TGD and intersex patient care. METHODS: A purposive sample of radiology and radiation oncology professionals (n = 16) from diverse practice settings were interviewed on a videoconferencing platform. Transcripts were auto-populated and checked manually for accuracy. Two coders used a mix of deductive and inductive coding to identify key themes. Member checking was conducted with interviewees. RESULTS: Participants reported major gaps in training, knowledge, and confidence related to all aspects of TGD and intersex patient care. Recommendations for improvements included training that encompassed key terminology, how to conduct a physical exam on TGD and intersex patients, radiology and radiation oncology adaptations for TGD and intersex patients, and care coordination among multi-disciplinary oncology team members and gender affirming care providers. Exposure to diverse TGD and intersex persons in personal and professional life contributed to higher levels of comfort among providers in caring for TGD and intersex patients. CONCLUSION: Gaps in knowledge and limited confidence characterized the sample. Training at all levels is needed to improve radiology and radiation oncology care for TGD and intersex patients.

APA Citation

Pratt-Chapman, Mandi L.; Astorino, Joseph; Goyal, Sharad; Schmit, Berndt; Yap, Mei Ling; Bajaj, Shiv; and Angiulo, Emily, "Radiology and radiation oncology considerations for transgender and intersex patients: A qualitative study" (2023). GW Authored Works. Paper 2653.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/2653

Department

Medicine