Radiology departments are adapting to offer inclusive environments for transgender individuals
Most radiological hardware and software systems now offer gender options beyond female/male classification, a recent analysis shows. The study published in the European Journal of Radiology.[1]
Researchers examined six hardware and five software vendors utilized by radiology departments to determine what gender options were available for selection by patients and staff. Out of the vendors who responded to the experts’ inquiry, all but one offered a third option in addition to male and female. Such systems promote an inclusive environment for all patients and prioritize patient care, experts who contributed to the study said.
“Awareness and acceptance for gender diversity beyond the two classical birth assigned sexes of male and female is growing worldwide,” corresponding author Simon Matoori, PhD, from the Faculté de Pharmacie at Université de Montréal in Canada, and co-authors explained. “Trans defines an individual that identifies with a gender that differs from the one assigned at birth. This includes identification anywhere along a female to male spectrum, as neither or both. Around 0.3% of the population identifies as trans.”
The authors noted that increased rates of anxiety, depression, HIV infections and cancer are common in individuals who identify as transgender. Additionally, trans individuals have unique spectrum of conditions, such as those pertaining to hormones and hormone replacements, that require medical care.
Although a growing number of people are coming forward and speaking more openly about their gender identity, researchers noted that trans individuals still face stigmatization that might prevent them from seeking medical attention when necessary. This is why creating an inclusive healthcare environment for everyone is important, the authors explained. Part of providing such an environment is providers’ obligation to correctly document gender in medical records.
To assess whether various radiology systems possessed the infrastructure necessary to provide patients with gender identification options beyond standard male and female classifications, researchers analyzed major hard- and software vendors of CT and MRI scanners, as well as radiology information systems (RIS) and picture achieving and communication systems (PACS). A total of 13 radiological hardware and six radiological software vendors were surveyed for the research.
Experts received responses from six of 13 hardware and five of six software vendors. Every vendor except one offered a third option for gender. Among the vendors that included a third option were some of the most well known in the industry, including Fujifilm, Siemens, Hitachi, GE, Canon, Philips, Sectra, Infinitt and Agfa.
Of note, one of the vendors submitted a written response citing the differences between gender and sex, stating that they offer patients the option to record their sex rather than their gender.
“Although these terms are often used interchangeably, sex refers to the biological aspects defined by human anatomy. In contrast, gender is to be understood as the sum of attributes, behaviors and internal perception of the individual, allowing for variations of gender identification along a female to male spectrum,” the authors explained.
To elaborate on the importance of the “gender versus sex” response, experts offered the example of breast cancer risks for transmen and prostate cancer risks for transwomen. Because of these risks and the conditions that are unique to trans individuals, is critical to have accurate medical records for these patients from a radiologic standpoint. Registering biological sex in addition to gender identity could be the best option to offer the best patient care while fostering an inclusive environment, the authors suggested.
The full study can be viewed in the European Journal of Radiology.[1]
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In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.