Dalhousie study examines how pharmacists can help improve access to gender-affirming care

A groundbreaking new study conducted by Dalhousie University has shed light on the potential for pharmacists to play a crucial role in providing gender-affirming care to individuals seeking support for their gender identity. Published on Jan. 9, the peer-reviewed study highlighted the significant barriers that many gender-diverse people face in accessing this essential healthcare.

One of the key findings of the study was the extended wait times that adolescents in Canada experience while seeking gender-affirming medical care. According to research conducted at 10 health clinics across the country, adolescents spent an average of over a year seeking care and then faced an additional wait time of 269 days after receiving a referral. This highlights the urgent need for improved access to gender-affirming services.

Robyn Walter, a third-year doctor of pharmacy student at Dalhousie University, emphasized the potential for pharmacists to address this gap in care. With pharmacies being readily accessible in communities across the country, pharmacists have the opportunity to provide vital support and assistance to individuals seeking gender-affirming care. The study also identified prescribing and adjusting medications as key areas where pharmacists could make a significant impact.

Sophie Gillis, another co-author of the study and a third-year doctor of pharmacy student, highlighted the importance of pharmacists in supporting transgender and non-binary patients undergoing hormone therapy. These patients may experience changes in body composition and other effects, necessitating adjustments to their existing medications. Pharmacists, with their expansive scope of practice, are well-positioned to provide this specialized care.

In Nova Scotia, pharmacists were granted the authority to prescribe drugs in 2011, enabling them to renew prescriptions and prescribe adaptations and substitutions as needed. This expanded role allows pharmacists to educate patients on the expected effects of their treatments and monitor them for potential side effects. From providing information on self-injection techniques for hormone therapy to stocking gender-affirming equipment like chest binders in storefronts, pharmacists have the opportunity to enhance access to gender-affirming care in community settings.

Looking ahead, the study authors emphasized the need for further research to explore the full potential of pharmacists in delivering gender-affirming care. By leveraging their expertise and resources, pharmacists can play a vital role in supporting individuals on their journey towards self-acceptance and well-being.