Scene 1

Study protocol:  Navigating access to gender care in Ireland,  a mixed-method study on the experiences of transgender and non-binary youth.

Mr. Seán Kearns, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland  sean.kearns1@ucdconnect.ie   Dr. Catherine Houghton, School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland                                      catherine.Houghton@nuigalway.ie   Prof Donal O’Shea, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland  donal.oshea@hse.ie   Dr. Karl Neff School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland  karl.neff@hse.ie

Scene 2

There has been a  global increase in demand  for gender-affirming healthcare services(1,2) and a recognition that healthcare access is complex and convoluted, even in countries with well-developed healthcare services.  Despite evidence in  Ireland  supporting the improvement in physical and mental health following access to gender-affirming care(3),  little is known  about the local healthcare navigation challenges.  Internationally, research focuses primarily on the experience of service users(4) and  omits the perspective of other potential key stakeholders . Youth experiences are a particularly seldom voiced group and service user engagement in research design is poorly used.

Scene 3

Graphical user interface, text, application

Description automatically generated

Scene 4

Scene 5

Diagram

Description automatically generated with medium confidence

Scene 6

Scene 7

This project seeks to address  a gap in the evidence  regarding gender healthcare access for young adults in Ireland.  Specifically, it seeks to  elucidate youth experience s, which is lacking comprehensive investigation.  Through employing expert panels and the involvement of a transformative approach, the researchers will  co-produce  a project that has the population’s  experience and expertise at its core.  Rigorous mixed methods will  identify challenges  on their healthcare journey and  support the identification of targeted strategies and interventions  that may  influence service provision through policy and practice change.

Herman, J.L., Flores, A.R., Brown, T.N.T., et al. Age of Individuals who Identify as Transgender in the United States. Los Angeles, CA: The Williams Institute. 2017. Judge C, O'Donovan C, Callaghan G,  Gaoatswe  G, O'Shea D. Gender dysphoria - prevalence and co-morbidities in an  irish  adult population.  Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) . 2014;5:87. Published 2014 Jun 13. doi:10.3389/fendo.2014.00087 Mcneil  J, Bailey L, Ellis S, et al Speaking from the Margins Trans Mental Health and Wellbeing in  Ireland.Dublin . 2013.  Heng A, Heal C, Banks J,  et al . Transgender peoples’ experiences and perspectives about general healthcare: A systematic review.  Int J Transgenderism . 2018;19(4):359–78. doi:10.1080/15532739.2018.1502711

Study protocol: 
Navigating access to gender care in Ireland, 
a mixed-method study on the experiences of transgender and non-binary youth.

 Mr. Seán Kearns, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland  sean.kearns1@ucdconnect.ie   Dr. Catherine Houghton, School of Nursing and Midwifery, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland                                      catherine.Houghton@nuigalway.ie   Prof Donal O’Shea, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland  donal.oshea@hse.ie   Dr. Karl Neff School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland  karl.neff@hse.ie  