Improving care for individuals with gender incongruence: Establishing a multidisciplinary approach in Italy.

PURPOSE: To present a multidisciplinary care model designed to provide personalized gender-affirming care and assess general health for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals.

METHODS

Drawing from our experience in a tertiary center in Padua (Italy), the Interdisciplinary Group for Gender Incongruence (GIIG) model employs a multidisciplinary approach to provide diverse gender-affirmation services. Mental health support, gender-affirming medical and surgical treatments (GAMST), screening programs, and regular follow-up ensure treatment safety and efficacy. The GIIG model promotes collaboration among specialists, primary health services, and LGBTQ + associations. Furthermore, it advocates for training healthcare professionals and raising awareness in the population.

RESULTS

The GIIG involves mental health professionals, endocrinologists, surgeons (plastic, urological, and gynaecological), voice specialists, internists, and associations. Associations serve as a point of reference for the community and offer psychological and legal services. Initial contact at the Center is made with MHP, who provide a safe space to explore gender identity, receive information, and support mental well-being. Endocrinologists prescribe hormone therapy and monitor its potential risks and overall health. Surgical interventions include chest, genital, and laryngeal surgery. Internists and other specialists assess osteo-muscular, hemo-coagulative, oncological, and infectious risks.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience emphasizes the need for personalized care tailored to individuals' desires while ensuring the safety of gender-affirming treatments. By adhering to the Standards of Care and offering comprehensive services, our center aims to serve as a model for modern transgender care.