Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT2214

In recent years there has been a steady increase in the number of children and adolescents whose sex assigned at birth does not match their self-perceived gender identity. The desire to resolve this distress often leads to the utilisation of gender reassignment medical treatments, such as hormonal and surgical interventions. Treating and informing this group of people is complex and requires the involvement of various specialist disciplines. There are also particularly high quality standards for the care of minors. There are only a few specialist centres and specialist practices available for this throughout Germany. The resulting long waiting times can further increase the level of suffering. The intervention consists of two elements: Patients and their families have access to multi-perspective, guideline-compliant information via a digital platform. A comprehensive digital training intervention provides the opportunity to address the topics in greater depth and respond to individual needs at an early stage. It is also possible to exchange information with other people affected. The two concepts are intended to provide larger groups of patients throughout Germany with highly qualified, guideline-based medical psychoeducation, which means a sustainable increase in efficiency compared to the currently practised resource-intensive individual initial information at a few specialist centres/specialist practices. The aim of the project is to develop and test a digital information and training programme by researchers from various disciplines. The children and young people affected and their carers should receive comprehensive information and help with self-management in everyday life. As the support is offered digitally, the specialised human and financial resources can be used optimally. This means that frequently requested information can be provided even before an initial consultation with a doctor. As a result, initial consultations can be shorter and more personalised. This in turn increases the capacity for making appointments and shortens waiting times. If successful, the service provides those affected with rapid access to high-quality and comprehensive information, reduces high levels of psychological stress and helps to avoid underuse and inappropriate care.