Patient Preferences for Receiving Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Health Services Research
• Telemedicine

Background:

• Gender-affirming hormone therapy (HT) is a critical component of care for transgender and gender diverse individuals.
• Understanding patient preferences for HT delivery models is essential for optimizing care access and satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize patient preferences for gender-affirming hormone therapy (HT) providers.
• To assess patient interest in and factors associated with telemedicine for HT follow-up care.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 111 adult patients receiving HT at a tertiary medical center.
• Data collected included demographics, barriers to care, follow-up preferences, and interest in telemedicine using a Likert scale.
• Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with telemedicine interest.

Main Results:

• A majority (63.1%) preferred in-person specialist visits, while 21.6% preferred video visits with specialists.
• Over 52% expressed interest in telemedicine, and 71% felt comfortable transitioning care to a primary care provider (PCP).
• Factors associated with telemedicine interest included identifying as a transgender man, minority race/ethnicity, no travel burden, comfort with video, and PCP's perceived scope of gender services.

Conclusions:

• Patients generally prefer specialists for HT follow-up but are willing to transition care to PCPs.
• Significant patient interest in telemedicine for HT existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Telemedicine may offer a viable option for expanding access to gender-affirming care.