Ecoomist article "activist doctors are urging GPs to prescribe cross sex hormones

[2Rebecca]

The article is behind a pay wall but you can register to read it with an email www.economist.com/britain/2022/02/19/activist-doctors-are-urging-gps-to-prescribe-cross-sex-hormones
The gist of it is that the English NHS has set up 4 pilot clinics to try and cut the waiting list by having an affirmative approach and prescribing after only a couple of consultations. The initial consultation may not involve a doctor, the second consultation is with a doctor or psychologist or psychologist trainee. Hormones may then be prescribed and it is expected that a lot of the prescribing will be done by GPs. Many doctors fear that patients are inadequately assessed and are given inadequate exploratory counselling before going down the trans medicalisation route which has many irreversible effects.

There's a difference between quick care and good care.

If good can be provided quickly then great. If not its obviously a problem but not one solved by removing all the aspects that would make the care " good"

Throwing medication at people is not the bloody answer ffs. There's a reason the process can ne long and difficult. Because it's irreversible , dangerous and drs should be as sure as possible its the right thing for the patient.

Harrop works in one of those clinics: cMagic iirc.

The pilot clinics aim to bring this affirmative approach to gps. The Indigo clinic in Manchester, for example, will be staffed by gps who will train others to prescribe hormones without detailed psychological evaluation. It describes itself as “a service designed by and for trans and non-binary people” that takes a “flexible view of transition”. It will initially support people on the waiting list for gics, but then accept referrals from gps and directly from patients.

The affirmation only approach isn't eveb the nhs policy is it?

How can it be implemented this way and the drs still be covered with any malpractice insurance issues ?

Disaster in the making. There is empirical evidence that cross-sex hormones shorten the life spans of patients, for both sexes. They cause a number of serious side effects (for testosterone there is even more evidence when one looks to sports where many female athletes in communist countries were given testosterone without their knowledge or consent and only their increasing health issues brought this to light).

The idea that it is advisable to prescribe life-altering medication causibg a number of irreversible changes without thorough assessment is incongrous with NHS principles in patient care.

Why should patients who identify as trans not be protected by the same safeguarding as all other patients?

Why should patients who identify as trans not be protected by the same safeguarding as all other patients?

A question that's never answered. All.medical treatment is constantly scrutinised. A better way always looked for. If it wasnt we'd still be drilling holes in heads to let out evil spirits. Trans medicine seems to be filled with taking any scrutiny as a personal attack on all trans people everywhere and self sabotage.

If you want progression and better ways that means looking at what's being done well amd what's not. If registering negative outcomes is seen as an attack then all that's gonna happen is they will all continue to receive sub standard care for fear of complaints and social media attacks.

How about setting up pilot clinics to try and cut the waiting time for ASD assessment? Perhaps train GPs in recognising the symptoms of ASD and of trauma response in girls. That could substantially reduce the 'need' for trans-affirmation clinics by reducing the number of girls referred to them and therefore subjected to harmful interventions.

An archived version of the article can be found at this link:

<a class="break-all" href="https://web.archive.org/web//www.economist.com/britain/2022/02/19/activist-doctors-are-urging-gps-to-prescribe-cross-sex-hormones" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">web.archive.org/web//www.economist.com/britain/2022/02/19/activist-doctors-are-urging-gps-to-prescribe-cross-sex-hormones

Open the link above and then click on a specific date link on the website.

That is a very good point, JellySaurus

@JellySaurus

How about setting up pilot clinics to try and cut the waiting time for ASD assessment? Perhaps train GPs in recognising the symptoms of ASD and of trauma response in girls. That could substantially reduce the 'need' for trans-affirmation clinics by reducing the number of girls referred to them and therefore subjected to harmful interventions.

Radical notion but I like your thinking.

Self-referral to adequately resourced MH services.

Self-referral to menopause services.

Self-referral for a bunch of groups with unmet needs.