Hospital Clínic in Barcelona has launched its first 'Guide to Transgender Care in Healthcare Settings'. This initiative establishes standardised criteria for respectful, safe, and non-discriminatory treatment of trans patients.
The guide provides practical protocols for all hospital staff. These include using patients' chosen names instead of birth names. It also offers guidance on admissions and hospitalisation procedures. Strict confidentiality standards are also outlined. Nurse Rita Pons helped develop the document. She stated, "Staff had long faced uncertainty in handling certain situations, prompting the need for clear, shared guidelines." Palliative care physician Débora Moreno added, "The objective is both to reduce discrimination and to strengthen awareness, promoting person-centred care that respects identity, privacy, and individual needs."
Promoting Inclusive Practices
This initiative aligns with Catalonia's LGBTI rights law, which came into force in January. It aims to address gaps in sensitivity and consistency among healthcare professionals. The guide also seeks to improve everyday clinical interactions. It outlines behaviours staff must avoid. This prevents discrimination and ensures inclusive care across all departments. The guide recommends calling patients by their surname in waiting rooms. It also advises asking which pronouns they use. For hospitalisation, patients can express preferences regarding shared rooms. This avoids assigning rooms based on gender assumptions.
Patient Perspective and Normalisation
Trans patient Noa participated in the presentation. She described the guide as "a real moment of awareness" for healthcare professionals. Noa noted her own positive experiences at the hospital. However, she believes the new framework will further improve care. Noa also argued the guide's approach does not view the trans experience as "a pathology". Instead, it aligns with "normalising" trans people.
Rigorous Validation Process
The guide underwent multiple validation stages. This included internal review by diversity and equality groups. It also involved consultation with trans and non-binary patients and their families. A dedicated healthcare session in March gathered valuable feedback. This comprehensive approach ensures the guide meets the needs of the community it serves. The implementation of this guide marks a significant step. It aims to foster a more inclusive and understanding healthcare environment. This will benefit trans and non-binary residents and visitors in Barcelona.
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Originally published by Catalan News (English). Read original article.
