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Performing informed consent in transgender medicine

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  • shuster, stef m.

Abstract

Using in-depth interviews with 23 physical and mental healthcare providers and observations at transgender-specific healthcare conferences between 2012 and 2015, I examine how medical providers negotiate informed consent processes in their clinical encounters with trans patients. While a growing body of scholarship has examined informed consent in scientific research from the patient's perspective, a gap remains in how informed consent is understood in clinical encounters, and from providers' perspectives. I use the case of trans medicine, an emergent field of medicine that has not yet implemented standardized procedures or policies that shape providers' decision-making. I demonstrate how many providers of trans medicine give voice to following informed consent, but fail to actually practice it in their work with trans patients. In performing informed consent, providers revert to a paternalistic model of care, which amplifies their medical authority while veiling power differentials in their clinical encounters and decision-making in trans medicine.

Suggested Citation

  • shuster, stef m., 2019. "Performing informed consent in transgender medicine," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 226(C), pages 190-197.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:226:y:2019:i:c:p:190-197
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.02.053
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Springer, Kristen W. & Mager Stellman, Jeanne & Jordan-Young, Rebecca M., 2012. "Beyond a catalogue of differences: A theoretical frame and good practice guidelines for researching sex/gender in human health," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 74(11), pages 1817-1824.
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    7. Gikonyo, Caroline & Bejon, Philip & Marsh, Vicki & Molyneux, Sassy, 2008. "Taking social relationships seriously: Lessons learned from the informed consent practices of a vaccine trial on the Kenyan Coast," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 67(5), pages 708-720, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Murawsky, Stef, 2023. "The struggle with transnormativity: Non-binary identity work, embodiment desires, and experience with gender dysphoria," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 327(C).
    2. Kirkland, Anna, 2021. "Dropdown rights: Categorizing transgender discrimination in healthcare technologies," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 289(C).

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