Gender inclusive forms? Nurses' confusion about trans* terminology

Purpose and Aims: To determine whether nurses are familiar with gender inclusive forms and whether their agencies have them. Background: Approximately 9 million Americans identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), with about 950,000 (estimates of 0.2%-0.5% of adult population) identifying as trans* (a term that encompasses the entire spectrum, including transgender, transsexual, trans man, trans woman and other terms). In 2011, the Institute of Medicine identified transgender adults as an understudied population in critical need of health research. Method: Structured interviews with 268 registered nurses in the San Francisco Bay Area queried about the use of gender inclusive forms (capable of identifying trans* patients) at their agencies. Results: Only 5% reported use of gender inclusive forms, and the study demonstrated the need for education/training of registered nurses in gender identity and sexual orientation terminology as 44% had no idea whether forms were inclusive, 37% did not understand what a gender inclusive form was, and 14% confused gender with sexual orientation. Implications: The lack of understanding of concepts and terminology may affect basic care of LGBT patients especially those who identify as transgender. Recommendations in understanding common gender identity keywords and utilizing gender inclusive forms are discussed.