The impact of sexual trauma on attendance for health appointments

Healthwatch Liverpool undertook research on the impact of sexual trauma on people's willingness to seek health care after it was raised by some members of the public and raised by the local Trust.  They undertook a survey to which 66 people responded.

This research shows that experiences of sexual trauma can significantly impact people’s decisions about whether to attend cancer screenings and other health screenings and appointments. Where people do decide to attend screenings/appointments, the attitude of staff, the level of trauma-informed training received by staff, and the information made available to patients – including the ways/formats in which information is made available – can make a significant difference to patients’ experience. At worst, it can, in some cases, re-traumatise people and make them less likely to attend in future. At best, it can potentially save lives. 

The report focuses on people’s experiences and their thoughts about what may help to make health screenings and intimate examinations feel safer and less traumatic. This report sets out findings including: 

Feelings of anxiety are experienced by many survivors of sexual trauma before, during and after intimate health screenings and appointments. 

Many patients felt unable to take their time and have control over the pace of their appointment. 

Patients are not routinely offered adjustments or support. 

Many patients did not have confidence in asking for adjustments or support if they are not offered them. 

There are actions that healthcare practitioners could take to improve the experience of patients who are survivors of sexual trauma.

The report includes a number of recommendations including co-production of screening invitation letters; proactively contacting people who don't respond; allowing people to reschedule appointments online; access to self testing; health passports and staff training.