Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
425. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if there is a requirement of a psychiatric diagnosis for persons when seeking hormone replacement therapy; and if so, the reason this is deemed necessary. [11780/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra426. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if there are two physicians only willing to prescribe hormone replacement therapy here. [11781/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra428. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a requirement of psychiatric diagnosis for hormone replacement therapy is viewed as offensive by the transgender community. [11783/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra430. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the diagnostic model for hormone replacement therapy will be abolished. [11785/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 425, 426, 428 and 430 together.
Transgender-specific guidelines have been developed by WPATH, World Professional Association for Transgender Health, and the Endocrine Society, that updated its guidelines in 2017. These guidelines were devised by experts in transgender healthcare, along with members of the International Transgender, Transsexual and LGBT community.
A proposed model of care for transgender children, adolescents and adults was submitted by the HSE Quality Improvement Division to the HSE Divisions of Primary Care, Mental Health and Acute Hospital programme. The model was developed in consultation with key treating clinicians, planners, policy makers, advocates and service users.
The guidelines recommend a comprehensive multidisciplinary psychosocial assessment prior to commencement of hormone therapy by endocrinology services. The assessment focuses on more than just assessment for the possible diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria. The guidelines highlight several criteria which must be met prior to referral for hormonal intervention. It is important that co-morbid conditions are identified and addressed, and that people access the supports that they need to manage co-morbid difficulties, which can impact on response to medical transition (including hormone treatment).
International best practice involves an assessment by a multi-disciplinary team and shared decision making in the best interests of the individual. Both WPATH and the Endocrine Society Guidelines 2017 specify the assessment must be carried out by a mental health professional (s) with experience in transgender healthcare and possess specific skills. Endocrinologists and General Practitioners, GPs, do not possess these skills, and require access to the multidisciplinary team as described. GPs would only see a small number of gender variant individuals during their lifetime in clinical practice, and would not be in a position to build up the requisite skillset outlined in WPATH and Endocrine Society Guidelines or have the time resource to conduct a comprehensive evaluation.
Informed consent is essential, whereby benefits and risks of hormone treatment and surgery are discussed with individuals seeking these interventions. Although regret rates are low, it can happen and can also lead to high levels of psychological distress. Healthcare providers work with people to try to prevent negative outcomes. The emerging evidence on good outcomes following medical and/or surgical transitioning is based on use of multi-disciplinary psychosocial assessment, fulfilment of criteria for hormones and on-going psychological support throughout the process. It is important that psychological support is available to individuals before, during and after transitioning.
Prescription of hormone blockers and cross-sex hormones for transgender people is relatively new. Significant side effects can occur with cross sex hormones including irreversible physical changes and infertility. There is a lack of long-term research on outcomes. For these reasons the decision to prescribe should only be made by specialists, i.e. Endocrinologists, in consultation with other professionals involved in the assessment process. Shared decision-making is in accordance with best practice internationally. Prescriptions can then be supported by local GPs with specialist guidance.
The model of care is providing the framework for the development of National Gender Clinics and MDTs for children and adults, funded by the Acute Hospitals and Mental Health Divisions of the HSE. Recruitment will commence to develop these national teams in 2018. It is envisaged that these National Teams will be in place in 2018, pending successful recruitment campaigns.
The HSE, across a number of programmes including mental health, acute hospitals, primary care and social inclusion, is committed to building services for this community in accordance with International Best Practice.
