Assessing patient satisfaction with a multidisciplinary gender dysphoria clinic in Melbourne

Abstract

Objectives:

The Gender Dysphoria Clinic in Melbourne, Australia, assessed patient outcome by focusing on patients’ subjective evaluation of the healthcare services they received through the clinic.

Methods:

A satisfaction survey, which was previously used in two established gender clinics in the US and UK, was adapted and then administered to consecutive patients who attended the Gender Dysphoria Clinic during a 1-month period.

Results:

A total of 127 surveys were available for analysis: 88% of patients reported being satisfied with the services they received. Patients’ perceived level of distress reduced significantly, following their involvement with the Gender Dysphoria Clinic. Feeling understood and heard in a non-judgmental manner by a specialist in the field of gender dysphoria was the most positive aspect of service provision. The most negative aspect of the clinic was a lengthy waiting list.

Conclusions:

Although the majority of trans-and-gender-diverse patients attending the Gender Dysphoria Clinic were satisfied with the service they received, there is a need to identify strategies to facilitate timely access to the clinic.