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. 2024 Feb;30(2):595-600.
doi: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0266. Epub 2023 Aug 25.

Evaluating an Electronic Consultation Platform to Support Pediatric Primary Care Providers in Caring for Transgender and Nonbinary Adolescents

Gina M Sequeira  1   2 , Peter G Asante  2 , Kevin Bocek  1 , Nicole F Kahn  1 , Janis L Sethness  1   2 , Juanita K Hodax  1   2 , Kacie M Kidd  3 , Wanda Pratt  2 , Dimitri A Christakis  1   2 , Laura P Richardson  1   2
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Evaluating an Electronic Consultation Platform to Support Pediatric Primary Care Providers in Caring for Transgender and Nonbinary Adolescents

Gina M Sequeira et al. Telemed J E Health. 2024 Feb.

Abstract

Background: An electronic consultation (e-consult) platform was implemented to support pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) in providing gender-affirming care to transgender and nonbinary (TNB) adolescents. Following implementation, a study was conducted to (1) explore how access to this e-consult platform impacts PCP confidence and referral patterns, (2) describe the content of questions, and (3) evaluate PCP's perspectives regarding platform usability. Methods: Following each submission, providers completed a 17-item survey. A total of 20 providers submitted 38 e-consults and 26 follow-up surveys between October 2021 and December 2022. Results: All PCPs reported a high overall value and increased confidence caring for TNB adolescents. Nearly one in five (19%) felt it allowed them to avoid submitting a specialty referral. Mean System Usability Scale score was 78.2 indicating good usability. Conclusion: This e-consult platform shows great promise in increasing PCP confidence providing gender-affirming care adolescents. More widespread utilization could help improve access to care and decrease specialty care referrals.

Keywords: electronic consultation; gender-affirming care; primary care; telemedicine; transgender adolescents.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Dr. Sequeira serves as a consultant for Pivotal Ventures and the Fenway Institute.

Figures

Figure 1:
Figure 1:
EpicCare Link platform prompts and instructions
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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