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This is the ridiculous "medical" guide which defined sex as non-existent before birth and detransitioners as having never transitioned. Good to see that it has been taken down, not surprising to see that it was done silently. Very embarrassing for the ICGP. https://twitter.com/stellaomalley3/status/1356291335872008193
The article is a must-read, and includes the questions they send to the authors and the ICGP. I can understand the lack of a response - these questions hit hard, and hurt.
For the MD author: "Do you have any qualifications, certifications, work experience, etc, that directly related to the area of transgender health?"
The answer is no, which the journalist knows. The authors area is substance abuse.
The answer is no, which the journalist knows. The authors area is substance abuse.
"What was the exact evidence base for the claim that puberty blockers, as used in this instance as opposed to treating precocious puberty, are reversible?"
Of course, there is no such scientific evidence. The only studies on this suggests partial reversibility for the effects.
Of course, there is no such scientific evidence. The only studies on this suggests partial reversibility for the effects.
"Was there any concern that working with TENI to create these guidelines might bias the direction of the work, given that TENI are not a medical organisation but rather one dedicated to advocacy?"
Fair, but leads up to a rather more dramatic follow-up question.
Fair, but leads up to a rather more dramatic follow-up question.
"Parts of the document are directly, word for word, taken from previous TENI material, how much of the document was directly written by yourself or the ICGP?"
That one has to hurt.
That one has to hurt.
"The report repeatedly directs GPs to contact TENI for information, training, and other purposes; as an example “GPs can also discuss with TENI updates and difficulties with treatment pathways"...
"How did the ICGP come to the decision that an advocacy organisation should be given as the point of contact for GPs to discuss treatment pathways?"
These are the questions that need to be asked. And silence is the answer you'll get.
These are the questions that need to be asked. And silence is the answer you'll get.
"Does the ICGP accept any responsibility if a GP, acting on the advice given in the document, reaches out to TENI, implements their suggestion, and it leads to a suboptimal outcome for the patient?"
These people need to be called out. Excellent work.
These people need to be called out. Excellent work.
And for the ICGP: "Is it normal for the ICGP to allow clinical guidelines to be authored by respectively, an author who appears to have no medical qualifications and"...
..."is actively working in an advocacy position, and an author who, despite significant medical qualifications, does not appear to have expertise in the issue at hand?"
Journalist taking no prisoners here. These are the questions needed but people seem to be afraid to ask.
Journalist taking no prisoners here. These are the questions needed but people seem to be afraid to ask.
"Is it the belief of the committee that advising GPs to consult with an advocacy group, rather than a group with relevant medical expertise, is the recommendation most likely to lead to positive patient outcomes?"
Apparently it is, because they published the damn thing.
Apparently it is, because they published the damn thing.
"Given the authority which the ICGP has given to TENI what ongoing safeguards have been implemented to ensure that the advice and medical recommendations TENI gives to GPs remain evidence based?"
That article was a relief and a pleasure to read. There's hope for Ireland on this one.
And a lesson for journalists elsewhere: if you dig in this area and you're not afraid of backlash, there will be a story, and it will be big.
And a lesson for journalists elsewhere: if you dig in this area and you're not afraid of backlash, there will be a story, and it will be big.
