The Hospital Clínic Barcelona has its first Care Guide for Trans* People in a healthcare setting, a pioneering document that establishes unifying criteria to ensure respectful, safe, inclusive, and discrimination-free care. The guide is aligned with Law 3/2005 of 29 December on the Rights of LGBTI people and the eradication of LGBTI-phobia, which came into effect on 20 January this year.
This guide was developed in response to the identification of several situations where it was necessary to reinforce sensitivity, knowledge, and shared criteria among professionals. Aspects such as the correct use of the person’s chosen name, respectful communication, confidentiality, and the management of specific hospitalization situations had generated doubts or inconsistencies in practice.
To address this, the Clínic Diversity Group initiated the development of this document. The guide has been validated by the Equality Commission, the Health and Gender Comission, and the Queer Clínic Group, ensuring a cross-cutting perspective and compliance with current regulations.
An initiative designed to improve patient experience
The guide outlines a series of recommendations for all hospital staff, regardless of professional category, as well as situations and behaviours to avoid. The document incorporates practical recommendations on language, registration of the chosen name, attitude during admission, the handling of sensitive situations, confidentiality, and the assigning of hospitalization areas, as well as guidelines on what to avoid to prevent discrimination or inappropriate treatment.
Among other things, it is recommended that “when admitting a trans* person, it should be emphasized that the principle of equality in access to health services and respect for gender identity must be applied scrupulously, without admitting discrimination, stigmatization, or exclusion of any kind for morally arbitrary reasons or prejudices based on discrimination on the grounds of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, social status, or disability”, and it is also recalled that “the right to privacy and confidentiality must be guaranteed for all persons treated at the hospital, regardless of their gender identity.”
In this regard, conversations about a person’s gender identity, including preference regarding treatment, name, or pronouns, must be conducted in private and confidential settings, avoiding asking these questions in places where they might be overheard by third parties. It is important to treat each case individually, and offer a confidential space to support them.”
Objectives: respect, equity, and consistency in care
The guide aims to ensure care that is free from discrimination, based on dignity, diversity, and respect. It also establishes criteria for interaction, reducing situations of discomfort or misunderstanding, and provides professionals with clear and useful tools, both in the clinical setting and administrative or reception areas. Furthermore, it aims to promote a safe and inclusive environment, with designated spaces and respectful pathways.
Implementation and training for professionals
The guide will be distributed to professionals through corporate channels, as well as via a brochure that will be made available to them. It will also be presented at future hospital events and integrated into the onboarding process for newly hired professionals.
Additionally, LGBTI training will be developed for all hospital staff. This training is in line with Catalan regulations and ensures that all professionals have a common framework for providing quality care that respects equal treatment and non-discrimination.
The goal is to ensure the guide evolves and adapts to the real needs of trans* people, thereby consolidating a more inclusive hospital.
The Clínic’s commitment to diversity and the rights of trans* people
With this initiative, the Clínic reaffirms its commitment to applying current regulations on LGTBI rights, defending the rights and dignity of trans* people, as well as reducing health inequalities and promoting a patient-centred culture. This guide represents the consolidation of an inclusive, equitable, and respectful healthcare model, which prioritizes diversity and the individual experience of every person.
