The Canadian Press: "OB/GYN patient complaints up 29% over previous year: Ontario’s patient ombudsman"

Heather Millar, an assistant professor in the ob-gyn department, spoke to the Canadian Press about a trauma-informed approach to obstetrics and gynaecological care in light of the recent rise in complaints to Ontario’s patient ombudsman.

Trauma from childhood memories, sexual assault, or triggering medical encounters are common. Being aware of this fact and using strategies to avoid traumatizing or retraumatizing a patient is key.

The caregiver should presume each patient has a trauma history and administer treatment with that in mind: for example, asking permission before touching them, or covering their bodies during an exam to facilitate a safe environment.

“We're much more conscious now of how common trauma is in the general population … and also how the encounters and procedures in our specialty can be traumatic for people,” Millar said.

She has been helping integrate the approach at hospitals and teaches it to our department residents. She’s also working on national guidelines with the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada to formally implement this approach as a standard of care.