Why do we accept a 97% success rate as a gold standard for cardiac care yet question it for transgender youth who receive gender-affirming care? In this episode, Dr. Panszi explores a pivotal new study from JAMA Pediatrics that examines satisfaction, regret, and continuation of care rates among transgender youth who received their gender-affirming care at the start of puberty.
At 97%, the continuation rate mirrors the outcome for cardiac patients who experience improved quality of life after surgery. Yet, while cardiac patients face a 3% mortality rate, those receiving gender-affirming care simply discontinue care. The distinction raises essential questions about how we view and measure success in healthcare, especially when the patient population is young and transgender.
Listen in to understand the facts behind these numbers, the factors contributing to quality of life improvements, and how this evidence can empower healthcare providers to better support and counsel their patients.
Citations:
- Olson KR, Raber GF, Gallagher NM. Levels of Satisfaction and Regret With Gender-Affirming Medical Care in Adolescence. JAMA Pediatr. 2024 Oct 21. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.4527. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39432272.
- Shroyer AL, Coombs LP, Peterson ED, et al. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons: 30-day operative mortality and morbidity risk models. Ann Thorac Surg. 2003 Jun;75(6):1856-64; discussion 1864-5. doi: 10.1016/s0003-4975(03)00179-6. PMID: 12822628.
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