Experts say outdated and inflexible medical information systems significantly harm transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals.

A recent literature review published in the Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences has revealed that many medical record systems used by hospitals and medical practices often combine sex and gender into a single, binary category, a practice that excludes and alienates TGD patients from the healthcare system.

The Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy (ASMIRT) says there is an urgent need for inclusivity in patient information systems. 

The review points out that non-inclusive systems contribute to the disengagement of TGD individuals from seeking medical care. 

A concerning statistic from a recent Australian study shows that 41.3 per cent of TGD individuals have avoided emergency care when needed, primarily due to fears of encountering transphobic harassment.

Carolyn Heyes, President of ASMIRT,says the industry should engage the TGD community in efforts to improve these systems. 

“First and foremost, transgender and gender diverse people must be consulted on information system improvements that affect them,” she said. 

Heyes stresses that “care should be about the patient. Making patient information systems inclusive for transgender and gender diverse people is part of treating patients with dignity and respect”.

The review suggests several key improvements for patient data collection:

  • Systems should accurately record each patient’s used name and pronouns, which may differ from their legal name

  • Systems should distinguish between current gender and sex assigned at birth, recognising these as separate concepts

  • Systems should employ current and appropriate terminology to prevent discrimination and promote inclusivity

Despite these recommendations, the literature review criticises the lack of direct consultation with TGD individuals in the development of these guidelines. 

It found that there is no evidence indicating whether these recommendations have effectively improved patient satisfaction and health outcomes for TGD individuals.