Trans broken arm syndrome: A mixed-methods exploration of gender-related medical misattribution and invasive questioning

• Published in: Social science & medicine (1982) 2023-03, Vol.320, p.115748-115748, Article 115748
• Main Authors: Wall, Catherine S.J., Patev, Alison J., Benotsch, Eric G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Arm; Female; Gender Identity; Health Services Accessibility; Healthcare quality; Humans; LGBT; Male; Mixed methods; Sexual Behavior; Stigma; Transgender Persons
• ISSN: 0277-9536; 1873-5347
• DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115748

Gender-related medical misattribution and invasive questioning (GRMMIQ), colloquially known as “trans broken arm syndrome,” is a form of medical discrimination faced by transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients wherein a provider incorrectly assumes that a medical condition results from a patient's gender identity or medical transition. This phenomenon may take one of two forms: (1) the incorrect and explicit misattribution of gender identity or medical transition as being the cause of an acute complaint, or (2) invasive and unnecessary questions regarding a patient's gender identity or gender transition status. Using mixed-methods procedures, this study aims to explore the incidence, some common correlates, and manifestations of GRMMIQ. American TGD participants (N = 147), recruited through an online recruitment platform, completed questions assessing their experiences in the healthcare system including lifetime incidence of GRMMIQ, outness to healthcare providers, and additional experiences of gender-related discrimination in a medical setting. Participants who indicated experiences of GRMMIQ were asked open-ended questions about one such experience. Nearly one-third of participants reported experiencing GRMMIQ. Experiences were associated with outness to acute care providers and other types of gender-related discrimination in healthcare settings. Analysis of qualitative data revealed four primary themes: (1) assumptions of disordered thinking and being, (2) hyperfocus on aspects of medical transition, (3) cultural ignorance and incompetence, and (4) dismissiveness of the patient. Together, these results enhance the understanding of an underexplored aspect of medical discrimination faced by TGD individuals while highlighting commonalities across different experiences. •Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) patients face difficulties in receiving healthcare.•Gender-related medical misattribution and invasive questioning (GRMMIQ) is common.•Nearly one-third of the TGD participants recruited reported experiences of GRMMIQ.•GRMMIQ is more frequent for those who are out to providers in acute care settings.•Qualitative data illustrates how GRMMIQ can manifest in multiple ways.