Self-evaluation: Standard 6 criteria

6.1 *

Organisations have local pathways and protocols for assessment that:

have been developed in partnership with other services
define roles and responsibilities in the initial and subsequent assessment, monitoring and care planning
support continuity of care, for example having a named clinician
provide information on areas covered in the assessment
ensure the active involvement of people in decision making, and their families/representatives where appropriate, and where consent is provided
support shared care across services and settings.

Select answer

6.2 *

Assessment at a gender identity service is undertaken by appropriately trained healthcare professionals, is comprehensive and holistic, and includes:

the person’s needs and what matters to them, avoiding assumptions about what support or treatment may be sought⁹
relevant existing or previous care and treatment plans
mental health and wellbeing
medical history, including co-occurring conditions
sexual health and fertility
capacity and consent in line with national guidance
need for further support and/or treatment
input from the family/representative with consent and where appropriate.

Select answer

6.3 *

Organisations delivering gender identity services have protocols in place to ensure timely referral²⁹ to appropriate services covering:

fertility preservation
hair removal and wig provision
medical treatment including input by specialist pharmacists, endocrinology and paediatric endocrinology
mental health and psychological support
sexual and reproductive health
speech and language therapy
surgical services.

Select answer

6.4 *

Specialist gender identity services have pathways and protocols to ensure the referral into the service is appropriate for the person. This covers:

review of referral criteria and appropriateness of referral
timely triage and referral to other, more appropriate services, including primary care and mental health services
supporting people to understand how their care needs are assessed, and which services will best suit their needs
partnership working with other services to minimise delays to the person’s care
how to work with the referring service and healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate referrals.

Select answer

6.5 *

The care plans developed in gender identity clinics:

are co-produced with the person
provides a key summary of person’s initial assessment, any ongoing care and support needs
can be accessed by the person
are communicated across the multidisciplinary team including the person’s GP, pharmacy, with the person’s consent where appropriate
are regularly reviewed and updated as a person’s circumstances or needs change.

Select answer

6.6 *

The organisation has transfer of care protocols when people move between care providers. This includes NHS services and primary care providers and people transferring from outwith the UK. The protocols should:

be person-centred
enable continuity and consistency in care
describe clear roles and responsibilities
provide clear criteria about maintaining the original referral date, where appropriate
set out key information required, to reduce unnecessary delays in the person’s care.

Select answer

6.7 *

People who decide to halt, reverse or restart aspects of their gender identity healthcare are supported by knowledgeable and compassionate staff to:

discuss their needs
explore treatment, care and support options
access services which are right for them.

Select answer

1. RDS issues - resolutions

2. New RDS presentation – RDS supporting the patient journey

3. User guides

4.Training sessions for RDS editors

5.New RDS toolkits

6.New RDS developments

7. Implementation projects

Standard 6: Assessment and care planning

6.1 *

6.2 *

6.3 *

6.4 *

6.5 *

6.6 *

6.7 *