Authors: Alyssa Forsyth, Emilie E. Doan Van, Kelly Frasier3, Julia Vinagolu-Baur, Sarah Khan, Reece Kimball, Colin Burnette,Brooke Blan.
This review examines the impact of emergency department (ED) staff attitudes on the quality of care for transgender and non-binary (TGNB) patients, drawing on existing research to highlight key findings and areas for future investigation. Studies consistently reveal a significant deficit in knowledge and training among ED staff regarding TGNB health needs, resulting in negative attitudes and biases that compromise patient care. Prior studies have revealed frequent instances of misgendering, discrimination, and inadequate treatment, which foster mistrust and discourage TGNB individuals from seeking emergency care. Interventions aimed at increasing cultural competence and sensitivity have demonstrated potential for improving patient experiences and care quality; however, there is a notable lack of comprehensive, largescale studies evaluating the long-term effectiveness of these interventions specifically within ED settings. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies to assess the sustained impact of cultural competency training on staff attitudes and patient outcomes, investigate the intersectionality of TGNB identities with other marginalized groups to understand compounded barriers, and develop and validate standardized tools for measuring staff attitudes and their direct effects on clinical outcomes. Addressing these challenges through targeted education, training, and systemic policy reforms is crucial for creating an inclusive and equitable healthcare environment for TGNB patients, ultimately improving their access to and quality of emergency care.
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