Trauma-Informed Care for Obstetric and Gynecologic Settings

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Psychiatry
• Trauma-Informed Care

Background:

• Trauma is prevalent in patients seeking Ob-Gyn care, affecting health and social functioning.
• Existing guidelines focus on perinatal mood disorders, but less on clinicians' role in addressing patient trauma.
• Ob-Gyn clinicians require practical guidance for identifying and responding to trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of trauma-related symptoms in Ob-Gyn settings.
• To offer practical guidance for Ob-Gyn clinicians on detecting and responding to trauma.
• To improve patient care by integrating trauma-informed approaches.

Main Methods:

• Review of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its comorbidities (e.g., borderline personality disorder).
• Discussion of postpartum PTSD relevance in obstetrical care.
• Identification of evidence-based screening tools for trauma.

Main Results:

• Screening for trauma in Ob-Gyn care enables risk assessment and intervention.
• Positive screenings necessitate immediate safety assessment and referrals.
• Trauma-informed care enhances patient and clinician safety.

Conclusions:

• Addressing trauma in Ob-Gyn care is critical due to its prevalence and impact.
• Ob-Gyn clinicians can improve patient understanding and care by recognizing trauma signs.
• Initiating or referring to treatment for trauma symptoms is essential.