An Iterative Model of Informed Consent: A Trauma-Informed Approach to Consent in Gender-Affirming Surgery

Abstract

Discourse regarding informed consent in trans health care generally addresses overarching interventions (hormones, surgery) and not specific details of these interventions (who will be involved, what kind of and where touch is required), which threatens patient autonomy and bodily agency and reinforces power imbalances inherent in health care. Pelvic care has made the case for a trauma-informed approach to informed consent, which offers a strategy to discuss these specific details and mitigate such threats. In this article, we provide guidance for how clinicians working in gender-affirming surgery can implement a trauma-informed approach to informed consent through an iterative model of informed consent.