Meaning of Person‐Inclusive Care and Care Expectations of Transgender Individuals From Healthcare Professionals: An Integrative Review

ABSTRACT

Aims

To comprehensively understand the meaning of person inclusive care and the care expectations of transgender individuals from health care professionals.

Design

An integrative review was conducted.

Data Sources

Literature was searched in four databases (CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus) and 25 qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies published during January 2019–October 2024 were included.

Methods

All articles were critically appraised using validated critical appraisal tools. Deductive and constant comparative analyses were used to develop themes and sub-themes.

Results

Person inclusive care was described as: (a) recognition and respect of identity, (b) holistic and individualised care and (c) creating safe and affirming healthcare environments. Care expectations included: (a) empowerment through shared decision-making, (b) person-centred communication, (c) advocacy as a supportive gesture and (d) intersectionality-informed care.

Conclusions

This review highlights the critical importance of person-inclusive care for transgender individuals, emphasising the need for healthcare practices that respect and affirm their identities, provide holistic care, and foster safe and supportive environments.

Impact

Transgender individuals experience persistent stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings and beyond. Understanding how to provide person-inclusive care and their care expectations from healthcare professionals is crucial to improving the delivery of quality care. The current body of evidence underscores significant disparities in healthcare for transgender individuals. While advancements in inclusive practices and affirming care models are evident in specific settings, these practices are not universally adopted. Inclusive care equips healthcare professionals with the necessary competencies to deliver high-quality, sensitive care that meets the unique needs of transgender individuals, ultimately fostering trust and equitable health outcomes. Nurses must ensure the delivery of person-inclusive care by demonstrating respect, advocacy, holistic assessment and care and genuine involvement of transgender individuals in decision-making for their care.

Patient or Public Contribution

No direct patient or public contribution.