Designing and Evaluating a Gender-Affirming Educational Initiative for Optimal HIV Care: An Intrinsic Case Study.

Gender-affirming care that integrates transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC)-related and/or transition-related health care needs is an effective mechanism to increase the number of TGNC patients being screened for HIV and linked to HIV services. Evaluation of a gender-affirming education initiative to help clinicians in one clinic provides better care for TGNC patients. Processes and factors that support the effective implementation of a gender-affirming clinical environment include (1) establishing credibility within the local TGNC community; (2) the critical role played by a patient navigator; and (3) awareness of the lived experience of being TGNC. Participating in the education initiative boosted team motivation, improved knowledge and competence, and provided opportunities for training nonclinical staff. This practice assessment interview offers a unique window into the impact of an education initiative on the effective implementation of a gender-affirming clinical environment.