8120 Differences in OB/GYN Clinician Comfort and Barriers in Addressing Sexual Trauma

Abstract

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To assess OB/GYN clinician comfort and barriers in addressing sexual trauma (ST). <h3>Design</h3> A 50-item electronic questionnaire. <h3>Setting</h3> N/A. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> 129 practicing OB/GYN clinician members of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists or the International Pelvic Pain Society were surveyed. <h3>Interventions</h3> N/A. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> Ninety-four percent of participants believed discussing ST is part of their role as clinicians, although only 69.8% reported routinely screening for ST and 71.3% indicated at least one barrier to discussing ST with patients. The most common barriers listed included lack of proper resources or available referrals (70.7%), lack of training in discussing ST (60.9%), limited time with patients (58.7%) and fear of re-traumatization (56.5%). Although female participants reported more barriers in discussing ST when compared to male participants (85.3% v 57.1%, p<0.0005), they were also more likely to screen patients for a history of ST (80.8% v 52%, p=0.001). Younger participants were more likely to report barriers in discussing ST when compared to older participants (p<0.05), and clinicians in training had a significantly higher interest in receiving further training on ST when compared to attending physicians (p<0.05). American OB/GYN clinicians were more likely to believe discussing ST to be a part of their role when compared to international clinicians (97.9% v 87.1%, p=0.03). Additionally, American clinicians were more likely to screen patients for a history of ST and had significantly higher scores on a Likert scale of 0-10 for both comfort and preparedness in addressing ST compared to international clinicians (p<0.05). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Despite barriers, in this study female and American clinicians were more likely to address, and comfortable with addressing, ST. Additionally, younger clinicians were more eager for further training opportunities. This study suggests a need for additional training on ST for OB/GYN clinicians.