Outcomes for children referred to Gender Identity Development Service
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessment, Management and Outcomes for children and young people referred to a National Gender Identity Development Service
IRAS ID
308194
Contact name
Tim Doran
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Some children and young people experience significant gender-related distress, which arises from a persistent mismatch between a young person's felt gender identity and their biological sex registered at birth. The numbers of children and young people referred to the Tavistock and Portman's Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) - the only NHS-funded service for young people with gender-related distress in England and Wales - have risen markedly over the last decade, resulting in lengthy waiting times and uncertainty for young people and their families. Characteristics of those referred have changed, e.g. the number of birth-registered females has increased and young people with autistic spectrum condition are over-represented. Evidence to inform current and future service provision is limited and contested. It is, therefore, important to understand the needs of this changing population, identify the different management options and assess outcomes.
The proposed study is part of a research programme (including systematic reviews and a qualitative study) to inform an independent review of gender identity development services for young people (https://cass.independent-review.uk/). It will use data collected within the NHS, including from the Tavistock GIDS, hospital wards, outpatient clinics and emergency departments and adult gender identity clinics to assess the intermediate and longer-term outcomes for people referred to the GIDS. It will look at changing characteristics, e.g. age at referral, co-occurrence of autism and/or other mental health conditions, assess whether some groups of children are more likely to follow a medical approach to managing their gender-related distress, and patterns of longer-term outcomes including successful transition, detransition and mental health outcomes.
The research will provide children and families more information on the different pathways through care to manage their gender–related distress and also provide evidence of for clinicians and policy makers delivering services for these children and young people.REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/EE/0062
Date of REC Opinion
10 Aug 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion