TRANSGENDER CARE BY ENDOCRINOLOGISTS IN THE UNITED STATES

Objective: Little is known about the attitudes and practice patterns of transgender care by endocrinologists. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, practice patterns, access, and competency among a representative sample of endocrinologists in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Methods: An anonymous 19-item paper survey was administered to 80 conference attendees that included 61 adult endocrinologists, 13 endocrinology fellows, 2 pediatric endocrinologists, and 4 nurse practitioners/physician assistants. Results: The participation rate was estimated to be similar to 80%. Sixty-three percent of endocrinology providers were willing to provide transgender care, but the majority of providers had no current transgender patients under their care. Half of providers had read the Endocrine Society's clinical practice guidelines, with a rate of 70% among those under age 40. Nonetheless, only 20% were "very" comfortable in discussing gender identity and/or sexual orientation, and 41% described themselves as "somewhat" or "very" competent to provider transgender care. Conclusion: Endocrinologists and other providers have received more education and training on transgender care within the past decade. Nevertheless, many participants have had little opportunity to care for transgender patients, and they rate their competency to do so as low. Research is needed on how to increase comfort levels regarding gender identity among those who provider care to transgender patients.