Health practitioner and student attitudes to caring for transgender patients in Tasmania: An exploratory qualitative study

Background and objective: Healthcare practitioners struggle to provide inclusive and affirming care to transgender (trans) people. This study examined Tasmanian healthcare practitioners' and students' understandings and approaches to trans health. Methods: The study comprised qualitative semistructured interviews with 17 healthcare practitioners (doctors, psychologists, nurses and other allied health workers) and students (of medicine, nursing and pharmacy) across Tasmania, Australia. Data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis. Results: The authors identified three key themes: lack of training in trans healthcare, limited resources to support trans patients, and the importance and challenges of trans-inclusive language. Discussion: Healthcare practitioners faced challenges providing inclusive and affirming healthcare for trans people due to limited experience with trans patients, and few educational opportunities and referral pathways to support patients. Healthcare practitioners need better support and resources to improve quality of care.