Abuse survivor perspectives on trauma inquiry in obstetrical practice.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to explore abuse survivor perspectives on optimal physician approaches to trauma inquiry in prenatal care. METHODS: Focus group involving six adult female abuse survivors. RESULTS: Five themes emerged for framing "safe" trauma inquiry: (1) a clear definition of trauma, (2) clear purpose for inquiry, (3) reassurance that inquiry was routine, (4) confidentiality, and (5) mention of helpful resources other than psychiatric therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Explaining the purpose of trauma inquiry may be important for effectively engaging abuse survivors in obstetrics.