MedSpot Foundation is launching a service with its psychologists and doctors that will focus on the special needs of patients struggling with anxiety and past trauma.
The programme will focus on the trauma suffered by sexually abused women, children and young adults and their treatment, with particular attention to the fact that in these cases shame significantly contributes to high latency rate [1], and similarly, the project emphasises the treatment of traumatic disorders of the perinatal period, such as perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PPTSD), which places significant psychological and physical burdens on patients.
Building on the principles of trauma-sensitive care, the clinic provides a safe and supportive environment, minimising the risk of re-traumatisation.
Our specialists include gynaecologists, paediatric gynaecologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, child psychologists, child psychiatrists and family therapists.
The aim of the clinic is to ensure that all patients, regardless of their financial situation, have access to appropriate specialist care, while contributing to the mental and physical support and well-being of patients through a trauma-sensitive approach, and to strengthen trust and equality in healthcare by creating a safe therapeutic space/clinic.
To implement this programme, we are launching our next fundraising campaign on the website ‘adjukossze.hu’. Please support our programme!
The risk of re-traumatisation
For many patients, each gynaecological examination is associated with considerable anxiety. These are patients who struggle with some anxiety disorder or who have previously been victims of sexual abuse, often in childhood. For them, the examinations often represent a repetition of trauma, and without the patient’s proper preparation and the gynaecologist’s specialist knowledge, the examinations carried out by the doctor inevitably recall the traumas suffered or intensify existing anxiety. This very vulnerable patient population has special needs during examinations.
The effects of trauma in gynaecological care are particularly challenging as intimate examinations or treatments can re-traumatise patients. Trauma-sensitive care aims to create a safe and supportive environment for patients, minimising the risk of re-traumatisation. This model of care is based on recognising the effects of trauma, identifying signs and symptoms, responding appropriately and protecting against re-traumatisation.
The effects of trauma
Trauma can occur at any stage of life and can be a past or ongoing experience that causes physical, emotional or psychological damage. Traumatic events range from sexual abuse, natural disasters or even negative experiences in health care. These experiences can lead to a range of health problems, such as anxiety, depression or cardiovascular disease, and can affect the use of healthcare systems, treatment experiences and acceptance of health recommendations.
Traumas of the perinatal period
A special issue that deserves attention is the traumatic disorder of the perinatal period, known as perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder. Perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PPTSD) is a psychological condition resulting from traumatic experiences during pregnancy, childbirth or the postpartum period, which has symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder but is specifically associated with the perinatal period. According to the WHO, perinatal post-traumatic stress disorder (PPTSD) is a global health priority, as it has a significant impact on the health of mothers and newborns. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, 10-20% of women may suffer from untreated mental disorders, including PPTSD. This issue is different from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as it is influenced by specific factors associated with the perinatal period. In the United States, 9% of women giving birth have been diagnosed with PPTSD, while an additional 18% are at risk. In other countries, the prevalence may be as high as 21.5%. The main risk factors for PPTSD include traumatic childbirth, low social support, intimate partner violence and previous traumatic experiences. Negative consequences of the syndrome can include depression, poor prenatal care, preterm birth, poor mother-child bonding and failure to breastfeed. However, PPTSD is often confused with other disorders, such as postpartum depression, making accurate diagnosis difficult.
About trauma-sensitive gynaecological care and psychological support
At the MedSpot Foundation, people who come to us for treatment can receive safe assessment, care and support in accordance with the principles of trauma care. Professional care requires specialised training and teamwork from the care staff, so part of the project involves training professionals in trauma-sensitive care. The team includes psychologists, psychiatrists, gynaecologists and assistants. We want to provide our patients with a thoughtful medical care pathway, specially trained professionals and safe spaces. It is important that our trauma-sensitive professionals are accessible to socially disadvantaged patients regardless of financial resources, and this requires the involvement of supportive, permanent partners.
Therefore, it is important to:
- train professionals properly
- create a safe atmosphere
- prepare patients psychologically, provide psychological support
- provide psychiatric support for patients
- provide continuous individual therapy led by a psychologist, sometimes using special methods: EMDR, trauma-focused therapy, psychodrama
WE NEED FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR TRAUMA-SENSITIVE GYNAECOLOGICAL CARE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT!
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR PROGRAM!
If a bank transfer is more convenient for you:
Our account number: 16200010-10068182
Our IBAN account number: HU57162000101006818200000000
Account holder: ‘Medical Help on the Spot’ Foundation
In the message box, please write the title of the programme: ‘Trauma Sensitive Clinic’
Alternatively, we also welcome your support on our official fundraising page ‘adjukossze.hu’.
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