Nursing implications for transgender and gender diverse perioperative patients: A discussion paper

Abstract

Perioperative nurses must provide culturally competent care to all surgical patients, and understanding gender identity and gender diversity may be the first step to creating an inclusive perioperative practice for transgender and gender diverse patients. In the nurse–patient relationship, limited exposure to and knowledge of diverse populations may negatively affect the health of this important demographic.

When nurses are unaware of how care can be affected by explicit (conscious) or implicit (unconscious) bias, they may use transphobic stereotyping behaviours or act with microaggressions, like using excessive protective attire. Such care may invalidate gender identity and impede trust. In contrast, nurses practising gender-affirming care validate the patient’s gender identity and life experiences, which supports autonomy and creates trust.

The aim of this paper is to provide perioperative nurses with a deeper understanding of factors that may affect gender diverse patient’s perioperative outcomes. In addition, understanding the social determinants of health affecting this demographic may result in better health outcomes. As such, the holistic care of the transgender and gender diverse patient is the optimal goal, with clinicians employing a non-judgemental, sensitive and compassionate attitude.