Introduction: With the steady increase in the transgender population, it is vital to ensure their inclusivity in medicine. Previous studies have shown these individuals suffer from extreme inequalities and bias in healthcare provision. In today's digital age, patients frequently turn to hospital websites for information. Subsequently, transgender patients' first exposure to a provider or hospital system may be through the respective websites. The lack of transgender health-related information, gendered language, and imagery may further alienate them from the healthcare system. This study investigates the websites of Urology programs for incluse language that conveys the institution is one where they will be respected and can receive transgender-specific care. Methods: To evaluate the trans friendliness of programs, markers adapted from the Healthcare Equality Index were used. This is an annual project by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) created to measure policies and practices for inclusive and equitable care of LGBTQ patients. The markers were applied to websites of urology departments with established residency programs. Two reviewers independently reviewed each department’s website, and the two sets of data were combined in order to obtain an understanding of perceived inclusivity. Results: A total of 156 Urology program websites were reviewed and 99% had websites demonstrating availability of reconstructive urology services, 19% included LGBTQ inclusive language or symbols, such as the pride flag, and 13% included direct links to additional gender care or LGBTQ specific healthcare resources. None of the programs explicitly included the gender pronouns of their staff physicians. Conclusions: Most academic urology departments acknowledge the availability of reconstructive services on their websites, but only a small portion meet criteria set by the HRC. This is an opportunity to improve patient facing content to better meet the urological needs specific to transgender and non-binary patients. SOURCE OF Funding: This research received no external funding.
