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Henderson ER, Boyer TL, Wolfe HL, Blosnich JR. Causes of Death of Transgender and Gender Diverse Veterans. Am J Prev Med 2024; 66:664-671. [PMID: 37979623 PMCID: PMC10957325 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) veterans face numerous challenges due to stigma and marginalization, which have a significant impact on their health and well-being. However, there is insufficient data on cause-specific mortality in TGD veteran populations in the U.S. The purpose of this study was to describe the leading causes of death in a sample of TGD veterans who received care from the Veterans Health Administration. METHODS A secondary data analysis was conducted using Veterans Health Administration electronic health record data matched with death certificate records from the National Death Index from October 1, 1999 to December 31, 2019. Using record axis codes from National Death Index data, the 25 most frequent underlying and all causes of death were summarized. RESULTS Deaths occurred in 1,415 TGD veterans. Ranking by any mention on the death certificate, mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use (17.2%), conduction disorders and cardiac dysrhythmias (15.3%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (15.1%), diabetes mellitus (13.9%), and chronic ischemic heart disease (13.3%) were the top five causes of death. Three distinct methods of suicide appeared as the 7th (firearms), 17th (self-poisoning), and 24th (hanging) underlying causes of death for TGD veterans. CONCLUSIONS Targeted prevention efforts or interventions to reduce the frequency and severity of causes of death, particularly mental and behavioral health disorders and metabolic disorders, could prevent premature mortality among TGD adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmett R Henderson
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Taylor L Boyer
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Hill L Wolfe
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut; The Yale Center for Medical Informatics (YCMI), Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - John R Blosnich
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California; Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Wyatt-Nash B, Wondwossen Y, Lutgendorf MA, Highland KB. Opportunity to Integrate the American Medical Association's Inclusive Language Guidance. Health Equity 2024; 8:177-188. [PMID: 38559848 PMCID: PMC10979659 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2023.0207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Inclusive language is a cornerstone for inclusive, just, and equitable health care. While the American Medical Association released inclusive language guidance in 2021, it was unclear the extent to which physician practice organizations and their affiliated journals have adopted and promoted inclusive language. In our analysis, we found a lack of inclusive language resources across many physician practice organizations and their affiliated journals. Moreover, when guidance was provided by such entities, it was sometimes limited or not reflective of the American Medical Association recommendations. As such, many practice organizations and their journals have the opportunity to promote inclusive language.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Monica A. Lutgendorf
- Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Krista B. Highland
- Department of Anesthesiology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Byrne M, Borzalski C. Analysis of Inclusive Gender, Sexuality and Sexual Orientation Data Elements in Academic Electronic Health Records. Comput Inform Nurs 2023; 41:975-982. [PMID: 37607730 DOI: 10.1097/cin.0000000000001064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Findings from an analysis of three vended academic electronic health records used in health science education are presented in this article. The quality assurance project examined the lexical and semantic fit and content coverage of gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation data elements within the academic electronic health records. A semantic comparative content analysis using a cognitive walkthrough was conducted as a means of comparing the ideal set of gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation data elements with those found in the three vended academic electronic health records. The results indicated a need for alignment to the research literature, expert consensus, and technical standards similar to what is expected for electronic health records used in clinical practice because of a lack of ideal state data elements. The findings align with ongoing issues with bias and disparities seen in the care of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender population and a lack of diverse, inclusive media and teaching technologies in health science education. The quality project and findings can inform academic electronic health record vendors on how they can create more inclusive systems and bring awareness to healthcare educators about the potential for implicit and explicit bias in their teaching technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Byrne
- Author Affiliations : Saint Catherine University, School of Nursing, St Paul, MN
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Bisno DI, Lubitz S, Marshall I, Cohen DA. A National Survey of United States-based Endocrinologists who Prescribe Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy. Endocr Pract 2023:S1530-891X(23)00063-0. [PMID: 36906069 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care (SOC) Version 7 recommended that before initiating gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), patients should seek a psychosocial evaluation from a mental health professional documenting a diagnosis of persistent gender dysphoria. The Endocrine Society published guidelines in 2017 recommending against an obligatory psychosocial evaluation, which was affirmed in the recently published WPATH SOC Version 8 from 2022. Little is known about how endocrinologists ensure appropriate psychosocial assessment for their patients. This study assessed the protocols and characteristics of United States-based adult endocrinology clinics that prescribe GAHT. METHODS An anonymous electronic survey sent to members of a professional organization and the "Endocrinologists" Facebook group was responded to by 91 practicing board-certified adult endocrinologists who prescribe GAHT. RESULTS Thirty-one states were represented by the respondents. Overall, 83.1% of GAHT-prescribing endocrinologists reported accepting Medicaid. They reported working in university practices (28.4%), community practices (22.7%), private practices (27.3%), and other practice settings (21.6%). Overall, 42.9% of the respondents reported that their practice required documentation of a psychosocial evaluation from a mental health professional before initiating GAHT. CONCLUSION Endocrinologists who prescribe GAHT are divided about requiring a baseline psychosocial evaluation before prescribing GAHT. Further work is needed to understand the impact of psychosocial assessment on patient care and facilitate the uptake of new guidelines into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel I Bisno
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States
| | - Sara Lubitz
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States; PROUD Gender Center of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
| | - Ian Marshall
- PROUD Gender Center of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States; Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
| | - David A Cohen
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States; PROUD Gender Center of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States.
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Koehle H, Kronk C, Lee YJ. Digital Health Equity: Addressing Power, Usability, and Trust to Strengthen Health Systems. Yearb Med Inform 2022; 31:20-32. [PMID: 36463865 PMCID: PMC9719765 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Without specific attention to health equity considerations in design, implementation, and evaluation, the rapid expansion of digital health approaches threatens to exacerbate rather than ameliorate existing health disparities. METHODS We explored known factors that increase digital health inequity to contextualize the need for equity-centered informatics. This work used a narrative review method to summarize issues about inequities in digital health and to discuss future directions for researchers and clinicians. We searched literature using a combination of relevant keywords (e.g., "digital health", "health equity", etc.) using PubMed and Google Scholar. RESULTS We have highlighted strategies for addressing medical marginalization in informatics according to vectors of power such as race and ethnicity, gender identity and modality, sexuality, disability, housing status, citizenship status, and criminalization status. CONCLUSIONS We have emphasized collaboration with user and patient groups to define priorities, ensure accessibility and localization, and consider risks in development and utilization of digital health tools. Additionally, we encourage consideration of potential pitfalls in adopting these diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Koehle
- Student Affairs Health Equity Initiative, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | - Clair Kronk
- Center for Medical Informatics, Yale University School of Medicine, Connecticut, USA,Correspondence to: Clair Kronk Center for Medical Informatics, Yale School of Medicine300 George Street, PO Box 208009 New Haven, CT 06520USA
| | - Young Ji Lee
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Goldhammer H, Grasso C, Katz-Wise SL, Thomson K, Gordon AR, Keuroghlian AS. Pediatric sexual orientation and gender identity data collection in the electronic health record. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2022; 29:1303-1309. [PMID: 35396995 PMCID: PMC9196694 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The systematic documentation of sexual orientation and gender identity data in electronic health records can improve patient-centered care and help to identify and address health disparities affecting sexual and gender minority populations. Although there are existing guidelines for sexual orientation and gender identity data among adult patients, there are not yet standard recommendations for pediatric patients. In this article, we discuss methods that pediatric primary care organizations can use to collect and document sexual orientation and gender identity information with children and adolescents in electronic health records. These recommendations take into consideration children's developmental stages, the role of caregivers, and the need to protect the privacy of this information. We also focus on the current limitations of electronic health records in capturing the nuances of sexual and gender minority identities and make suggestions for addressing these limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris Grasso
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sabra L Katz-Wise
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katharine Thomson
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Allegra R Gordon
- Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alex S Keuroghlian
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Boland MR, Elhadad N, Pratt W. Informatics for sex- and gender-related health: understanding the problems, developing new methods, and designing new solutions. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2022; 29:225-229. [PMID: 35024858 PMCID: PMC8757304 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocab287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Regina Boland
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Institute for Biomedical Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Noémie Elhadad
- Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Wanda Pratt
- Information School, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Radix AE, Bond K, Carneiro PB, Restar A. Transgender Individuals and Digital Health. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:592-599. [PMID: 36136217 PMCID: PMC9493149 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00629-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this review is to assess the use of digital technologies to promote the health and well-being of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people. RECENT FINDINGS TGD individuals experience numerous health disparities, including low uptake of HIV prevention strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, increased HIV incidence, and suboptimal HIV-related outcomes. These health disparities are the result of widespread intersectional stigma on the basis of gender identity, gender expression, socioeconomic class, race, and ethnicity, which negatively impact access to general medical and transgender-specific health care. TGD individuals often delay or avoid essential medical services due to fear of discrimination. Clinicians frequently lack training, competence, and skills in transgender medicine, further exacerbating the health disparities faced by TGD people. Digital technologies have been used to improve research and clinical care for TGD populations through various modalities; telemedicine, telehealth and mHealth. Digital health technologies, including HIT-enabled clinical decision support, telehealth, telemedicine, and mHealth, offer innovative ways to improve health care access, improve quality of care, and reduce health disparities for TGD populations, including and beyond HIV outcomes, through enhanced care delivery, clinician education, and enhancing social support networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asa E. Radix
- Department of Medicine, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York, NY USA ,NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Keosha Bond
- Community Health & Social Medicine, CUNY School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Pedro B. Carneiro
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, City University of New York, New York, NY USA
| | - Arjee Restar
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
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