Transvox - Working with Healthcare Providers to improve Cancer and General Healthcare Services

This week, Gillian talks to Dr.Virginia Quiney (she/her) and Katie Monday (they/they) who discuss their involvement in a project aimed at improving cancer screening for the trans community within the NHS, with phase two expected to start in April. They also discuss the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in providing care to trans individuals, the importance of establishing a rapport with each patient, and the need for better understanding and empathy from healthcare professionals.

The pair expressed optimism about the project's future, with more developments expected to come later. They discuss the relationship between healthcare providers and specific health services, with Virginia sharing her involvement in the Personalised Care Programmes.

They discuss the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in providing care to trans individuals. They acknowledge that while there are pockets of good practice, there are also instances of negative experiences due to a lack of understanding or knowledge. Dr Virginia suggests that healthcare professionals might feel anxious about getting things wrong, which could lead to awkward consultations. Katie emphasised the importance of humility and acknowledging mistakes, rather than turning them into a big issue. The team agreed that checking in with patients and feeling the fear of making mistakes could help healthcare professionals navigate these situations more effectively.

They also discuss the potential differences in approach to treating patients with different conditions, such as cancer versus gender issues. Katie added that the trans community often experiences distrust in healthcare due to past disappointments and the need for a more joyful and personalised approach to care.

They discuss the best ways to interact with healthcare professionals, particularly for trans individuals. Dr Virginia suggested that being open and honest about one's needs and concerns could make the process easier for both the patient and the healthcare professional. However, she also acknowledged that this approach may not work for everyone and that it depends on the individual's comfort level and the healthcare professional's response. The conversation also touched on the importance of not overemphasising fear when interacting with healthcare professionals, as this could lead to unnecessary anxiety and barriers to care.

All agree that while progress is being made, there is still work to be done to improve healthcare experiences. Katie also discussed the importance of cervical cancer screening and the need for awareness and support for women and other individuals with a cervix. She highlighted the work of the charity Outpatients, which campaigns for the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly in relation to cancer and breast screening.