Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Gender-Affirming Surgery

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Patient-Centered Outcomes
• Gender-Affirming Care Research

Background:

• Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are essential tools for evaluating patient health status and functional well-being.
• The development and validation of PROMs require a rigorous, mixed-methods approach with significant patient involvement.
• PROMs specific to gender-affirming care are vital for addressing unique patient needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of robust PROM development in healthcare.
• To emphasize the utility of gender-specific PROMs, such as the GENDER-Q, in gender-affirming care.
• To underscore the role of PROMs in improving patient education, expectation alignment, and research.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a mixed-methods, multistep approach for PROM development and validation.
• Incorporating extensive patient input throughout the development process.
• Applying gender-specific PROMs in the context of gender-affirming care and surgery.

Main Results:

• PROMs developed with patient input are more understandable, comprehensive, and relevant.
• Gender-specific PROMs like GENDER-Q enhance patient education and align expectations with surgical outcomes.
• PROM data facilitates comparative effectiveness research and evidence-based decision-making.

Conclusions:

• Well-developed PROMs are fundamental for patient-centered care.
• Gender-affirming care benefits significantly from specialized PROMs for improved patient outcomes and equitable access.
• PROM data is instrumental in advancing shared decision-making and ensuring just access to gender-affirming surgical care.