Title : Improving sexual assault screening in gynecologic care
Abstract:
Sexual assault remains significantly underreported in healthcare settings, yet gynecologic environments are one of the most common places where disclosures occur. Despite this, screening practices vary widely, and many clinicians express discomfort, uncertainty, or concern about unintentionally causing patient distress. Effective screening is essential for identifying patients in need of support, improving clinical rapport, and ensuring continuity of care.
This presentation offers gynecologic clinicians a set of practical, trauma-informed strategies to strengthen sexual assault screening during routine exams. The session begins by outlining how to introduce screening questions in a manner that reduces anxiety and increases patient comfort. It provides sample scripts that promote openness while avoiding pressure to disclose. Participants will learn to recognize behavioral or verbal cues that may indicate hesitancy, discomfort, or difficulty responding, allowing clinicians to adjust their approach in real time.
Common pitfalls in screening-such as rushing through questions, using overly technical language, or asking without context-are reviewed alongside strategies to prevent them. Documentation considerations are addressed to help clinicians accurately record disclosures while maintaining patient safety and confidentiality. The session concludes with guidance on building referral pathways to advocacy programs, follow-up medical services, and appropriate reporting channels, ensuring that patient needs are met promptly and respectfully.
Improving screening practices not only increases the likelihood of disclosure but also strengthens patient trust and reduces clinician uncertainty when navigating sensitive conversations. Gynecologic clinicians are uniquely positioned to identify survivors who may otherwise remain unseen. By incorporating trauma-informed communication and structured workflows into routine care, providers can enhance patient experience, promote safer clinical encounters, and contribute to improved health and wellbeing outcomes for individuals who have experienced sexual assault.
