Gender-Diverse Youth’s Experiences and Satisfaction with Telemedicine for Gender-Affirming Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
James Dennis Fortenberry
Abstract
Purpose: Telemedicine holds potential to improve access to gender-affirming care for gender-diverse youth (GDY), but little is known about youth's perspectives regarding its use. The purpose of this study was to explore GDY's experiences and satisfaction with telemedicine for gender-affirming care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online, cross-sectional survey was completed by 12–17-year-old GDY after a telemedicine gender clinic visit. Demographic characteristics, responses to a 12-item telemedicine satisfaction scale, and items assessing interest in future telemedicine use were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Open-ended items exploring GDY's experiences were coded qualitatively to identify key themes. Results: Participants' (n=57) mean age was 15.6 years. A majority were satisfied with telemedicine (85%) and willing to use it in the future (88%). Most GDY preferred in-person visits for their first gender care visit (79%), with fewer preferring in-person for follow-up visits (47%). Three key themes emerged from the open-ended comments: (1) benefits of telemedicine including saving time and feeling safe; (2) usability of telemedicine such as privacy concerns and technological difficulties; and (3) telemedicine acceptability, which included comfort, impact on anxiety, camera use, and patient preference. Conclusions: Despite their preference for in-person visits, a majority of GDY were satisfied and comfortable with telemedicine, and expressed their interest in continuing to have telemedicine as an option for care. Pediatric gender care providers should continue services through telemedicine while implementing protocols related to privacy and hesitation regarding camera use. While adolescents may find telemedicine acceptable, it remains unclear whether telemedicine can improve access to gender-affirming care.