Clinical resources
Access the primary care toolkit plus other resources to support your practice.
General primary care resources
- Primary care toolkit — Support for GPs and NPs who are new to providing care to trans people. Includes basic information about gender-affirming care Processes through which a health care system cares for and supports an individual while recognizing and acknowledging their gender and expression. options, including hormone therapy and surgery.
- Endocrine therapy for transgender adults in British Columbia: Suggested guidelines (2015) — This document provides updated protocols relating to physical assessment, prescription planning, initiation and ongoing maintenance of hormone therapy. (Note: The THIP contact information is outdated in the document.)
- Sherbourne Health’s guidelines for gender-affirming primary care with trans and non-binary patients (updated 2023) – These guidelines are developed by providers at Sherbourne Health in Ontario, Canada. An online interactive Trans Primary Care Guide is also available.
- Evaluating decision-making capacity for gender-affirming medical interventions — This practice tool provides guidance for health care providers supporting informed decision-making about gender-affirming medical interventions.
Sexual health resources
Disclaimer
The purpose of this content is to provide health care professionals with key messages and evidence-informed recommendations for gender-affirming care in British Columbia (BC). This content was developed by provincial subject matter experts. The review process involved an internal evaluation by interdisciplinary healthcare professionals at Trans Care BC, as well as an external review conducted by additional interdisciplinary healthcare professionals and community members from across the province.
This content reflects the best available knowledge and resources at the time of publication. Trans Care BC documents are intended to provide information, education, and guidance only and should not be used as a substitute for clinical judgement and assessment of the individual needs of transgender, Two-Spirit, and non-binary people. Health care professionals should continue to exercise clinical judgement and take into consideration context, resources, wise practices, and other relevant factors when providing gender-affirming care.
Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and Trans Care BC are not liable for any damages, claims, liabilities, costs, or obligations arising from the use of this document including loss or damages from any claims made by a third party. PHSA and Trans Care BC also assume no responsibility or liability for changes made to this document without their consent.
- HIV PrEP considerations for gender diverse patients — Considerations for discussing HIV PrEP with patients who are on or are thinking about gender-affirming hormone therapy or surgery.
- Sexual health screening — These recommendations are based on anatomy and are inclusive of gender-affirming surgeries and hormone therapy.
- Sexual health screening and pelvic examination — Many patients experience dysphoria and both physical and emotional discomfort during pelvic exams. This handout outlines strategies for providing affirming and trauma-informed care during these exams.