CompletedOther

Exploring the experiences of transgender patients and their healthcare professionals at Milton Keynes University Hospital

This study at Milton Keynes University Hospital aims to understand the experiences of transgender patients and the healthcare staff who look after them. Many transgender patients face challenges, but some also receive excellent care. The study will interview transgender and non-binary patients, along with a staff member they choose, to explore their feelings and emotions during hospital stays. By looking at these experiences, researchers hope to find ways to make hospital visits better and more understanding for everyone involved. There are no direct benefits to taking part, but your insights could help improve care for future patients.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Hertfordshire

Enrolment target

Start

01 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

20 Apr 2026

Transgender patient experience

What is this study about?

This study is happening at Milton Keynes University Hospital. Its main goal is to get a better understanding of how transgender patients feel when they are in the hospital, and also how the healthcare staff who care for them feel about providing that care. Sometimes, transgender patients can face difficulties or feel uncomfortable in hospital settings, while other times they receive wonderful and supportive treatment. This study wants to explore both sides of this experience.

The researchers believe that by understanding these feelings and experiences from both patients and staff, they can find out what works well and what could be improved. The aim is to make hospital visits a more positive and understanding experience for transgender and non-binary people in the future, and to help staff feel more confident and comfortable in providing care.

This research is part of a bigger project (a PhD study) and is funded by the University of Hertfordshire. It's a way to learn and grow, ultimately aiming to create a more welcoming and effective healthcare environment for everyone in the hospital.

Key takeaways

Focuses on improving care for transgender patients.
Interviews transgender/non-binary patients and staff.
Uses photos to help describe feelings.
Aims to understand experiences from both sides.
Could help make hospital visits better for everyone in the future.
No direct personal benefit, but helps others.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would need to be 13 years old or older, with no upper age limit. You also need to identify as transgender, non-binary, or someone under the wider 'Trans*' umbrella (this includes transgender men, transgender women, non-binary individuals, and gender non-conforming people).

In addition, you must have been a patient at Milton Keynes University Hospital within the last 18 months. You would then be asked to choose a healthcare professional who was involved in your care at the hospital to also take part in the study. Both you and the chosen staff member would be interviewed.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to participate. For instance, if you are under 13, or if you are between 13 and 16 and your parent or guardian doesn't agree for you to take part. Also, if you're currently in prison or unable to give your consent (agreement) to be part of the study, you wouldn't be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 13 years old or older?
Do you identify as transgender or non-binary?
Have you been a patient at Milton Keynes University Hospital in the last 18 months?
Can you nominate a healthcare professional from that hospital who looked after you?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll have one interview. During this interview, you'll be shown a collection of photos. You'll pick out the pictures that best represent how you felt during your hospital experience. Then, you'll explain to the interviewer why those photos remind you of your feelings and emotions. This is a one-time event, and your stories will be compared with others to find common themes and differences. The interviews are planned to start in November 2025 and finish by April 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no guaranteed personal benefits to taking part in this study. However, some people find that talking about their experiences can help them make sense of what happened. The main benefit is for future patients: by sharing your story, you'll be helping the hospital understand how to provide better care for transgender and non-binary people and support their staff. There's a small chance that talking about past hospital experiences might bring up difficult memories. If this happens, support and advice will be offered to you. You are free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Milton Keynes University Hospital
Unverified
Milton Keynes, England

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study aims to understand the experiences of transgender patients and their healthcare providers at Milton Keynes University Hospital to improve future care.

Who can take part in this study?

Transgender or non-binary patients aged 13 and over who were patients at Milton Keynes University Hospital in the past 18 months, and a healthcare professional they nominate.

What will I have to do if I participate?

You will have a single interview where you pick photos to describe your hospital feelings and explain why.

Will I receive any money or payment for taking part?

The study information doesn't mention any payment for participants.

When are the interviews happening?

Interviews are scheduled to take place between November 2025 and April 2026.

How to find out more

Thandiwe Rosemarysdottir

ar21aat@herts.ac.uk +44 (0)7773770513 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.