[Analyzing the Care Situation for Children and Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria from the Perspective of Clinical Experts].

Abstract

Analyzing the Care Situation for Children and Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria from the Perspective of Clinical Experts Abstract: Abstract. Objective: The use of healthcare services by minors with gender dysphoria has steadily increased in recent years. Long waiting times indicate the difficulties in providing professional care for this vulnerable patient group. The study analyzed the medical care situation in the German-speaking countries according to medical and/or therapeutic experts primarily treating minors with gender dysphoria. Method: We conducted 41 guideline-based interviews with experts and prepared a subsequent content analysis. Results: We could confirm an increasing demand over the last 10 years. Patients nowadays have more specific ideas and seem to be better informed. The experts attribute changes in demand to increased public presence of gender diversity, increasing tolerance and acceptance, and easier access to information. They assessed the care situation as inadequate; particularly care capacity is insufficient, and previous experiences in healthcare are often negative. The young age of the patients, comorbidities, and research gaps pose challenges regarding the indication. Patient satisfaction with somatomedical measures is rated as rather high, and experiences with detransitions are rare. Conclusions: From the experts' view, the need for health care is high and requires more research in addition to further education for social/educational and medical/psychological/therapeutic professionals.