Evaluating an Electronic Consultation Platform to Support Pediatric Primary Care Providers in Caring for Transgender and Nonbinary Adolescents

Background: An electronic consultation (e-consult) platform was implemented to support pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) in providing gender-affirming care to transgender and nonbinary (TNB) adolescents. Following implementation, a study was conducted to (1) explore how access to this e-consult platform impacts PCP confidence and referral patterns, (2) describe the content of questions, and (3) evaluate PCP's perspectives regarding platform usability.Methods: Following each submission, providers completed a 17-item survey. A total of 20 providers submitted 38 e-consults and 26 follow-up surveys between October 2021 and December 2022.Results: All PCPs reported a high overall value and increased confidence caring for TNB adolescents. Nearly one in five (19%) felt it allowed them to avoid submitting a specialty referral. Mean System Usability Scale score was 78.2 indicating good usability.Conclusion: This e-consult platform shows great promise in increasing PCP confidence providing gender-affirming care adolescents. More widespread utilization could help improve access to care and decrease specialty care referrals.