Published Research

Research Abstract

This study aims to explore patient experience with the process of accessing and undergoing gender affirming surgery (GAS), a topic that is underexplored. Currently available surgical satisfaction measures do not adequately consider components of the surgical experience that are integral to the process of obtaining and recovering from surgery but not directly related to the surgical procedure or results. We conducted focus groups with transgender and nonbinary (TGNB) people with a prior history of at least one GAS between October 2020 to September 2021. We elicited their perspectives on their experiences during preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative stages. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using grounded theory. Two primary themes emerged; first, most participants described satisfaction with the surgical outcome but also described intense dissatisfaction with the process. Second, factors that brought down satisfaction tended to be circumstances that made participants feel like they had limited choices or needed to accept poor treatment. Patients may be tolerating uncomfortable and even discriminatory treatment compromising their satisfaction with GAS. The findings of this study can help and increase awareness that surgical satisfaction is about more than providing results.

About Critical Public Health Journal

Critical Public Health , also known as CPH , is an international, multidisciplinary peer-reviewed open access journal on public health.

The Journal publishes the latest research in the aspects, research, implementation, and management of public health, health promotion, sociology, political economy of health, and related fields.