Title: American Pharmacists Association’s Guide Promotes Inclusivity for Transgender Patients
Subtitle: New recommendations aim to create safe spaces and improve transgender healthcare experience
By Luke Andrews, Health Reporter
Published: 16:58 BST, 16 October 2023 | Updated: 17:09 BST, 16 October 2023
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA), representing 62,000 pharmacists nationwide, has released updated guidelines to make pharmacies more accessible and inclusive for transgender individuals. The guide suggests using gender-neutral language, such as referring to ‘breasts’ as ‘chest’ and ‘periods’ as ‘cycles’. It also recommends the installation of at least one gender-neutral restroom in each store and encourages the use of a numbered system for patient identification, replacing gender-specific titles like Mr, Ms, or Mrs.
The purpose of these recommendations, according to APhA researchers, is to raise awareness among pharmacy staff and personnel and create safe spaces for patients of all genders and sexual orientations. By adopting these changes, pharmacists can contribute to the well-being and comfort of transgender individuals seeking healthcare services.
Critics of gender-neutral language in healthcare have expressed concerns about potential confusion in health communication. However, the APhA believes that these efforts are necessary because transgender individuals often face mistreatment, embarrassment, or discrimination, leading them to avoid pharmacies altogether. The guide aims to address these issues and make pharmacies more welcoming for everyone.
The updated guidelines, published as a pre-print in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, are expected to be included in next month’s edition. With approximately 1.6 million Americans identifying as transgender, the need for inclusive healthcare services is crucial, especially for younger generations who are more likely to fall into this category.
Studies have shown that transgender individuals have a lower risk of depression and suicide when provided with gender-affirming care. Therefore, it is essential for pharmacists to embrace these guidelines, which also encourage staff to use their own pronouns and ensure the correct usage of pronouns for patients. To create a more welcoming environment, pharmacists are advised to wear pronoun pins.
In collaboration with the Human Rights Campaign, the APhA had previously released a guide on caring for transgender patients in 2021. The guide provided pharmacists with advice on using correct pronouns and managing situations where someone is misgendered. In instances of misgendering, pharmacists are encouraged to apologize and use inclusive language, such as saying, “Their prescription is ready.”
By following these recommendations, pharmacy staff can build affirming and safe spaces for all patients, reinforcing the importance of gender-affirming care. The main author of the guide, pharmacist Monica Douglas from Touro College of Pharmacy in New York, hopes that this resource will increase staff confidence in providing inclusive care.
In conclusion, the American Pharmacists Association’s new guide is a step towards creating a more inclusive and understanding healthcare environment for transgender individuals. By adopting gender-neutral language and implementing supportive measures, pharmacists can ensure that their services cater to the diverse needs of all patients.
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