[EAPM 2022] Psychotraumatology in Gynaecological Medicine

Introduction:
Trauma and psychological symptoms are very relevant in medical specialties. Despite progress in recent years, their clinical care is still inadequate. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of traumatic life experiences and current psychological stress on doctor-patient interactions in gynaecological screening consultations.

Methodology:
We interviewed 200 gynaecological outpatients prospectively, in a somatic hospital (tertiary hospital with 700 beds). Before the examination, the current psychological stress as well as current and previous traumas were recorded by questionnaire. After the consultation, the quality of the doctor-patient interaction was assessed. In addition, relevant influencing factors such as training status and subjective relevance of the topic were recorded on doctors’ side.

Results:
Current psychological distress (HADS, FDS-20, ISI) was significantly higher in patients with previous and/or current trauma (CTQ, IES-R) than in patients without trauma. The good quality of patient-doctor interaction (PRA-D) from the patients' perspective did not differ between patients with versus without trauma. The more years doctors have been in profession, the better the doctor-patient interaction was. Doctors were also able to recognise traumatisation as well as psychological stress in a screening consultation.