326 Reactivation of torture-related trauma in refugees during healthcare

Sep 30, 2026

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Healthcare settings can unintentionally mirror past traumatic experiences for refugee torture survivors, triggering distress and re-traumatization despite the intention to provide care and healing. This qualitative study examines how specific encounters, procedures, and interactions within healthcare contribute to re-traumatization, using in-depth interviews with survivors. The thematic analysis identifies recurring triggers such as power imbalances, limited informed consent, use of equipment, operating theaters, and medical procedures, alongside gaps in trauma-informed care and cultural competence. Recommendations are developed to support trauma-informed, culturally responsive practice.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusions

2nd World Congress on Migration, Ethnicity, Race & Health Abstract Book vi89 implementing these adjustments, healthcare institutions can foster amore supportive system that prioritizes the well-being of this highly vulnerable population. Abstract citation ID: ckaf180.243 326 Reactivation of torture-related trauma in refugees during healthcare Ana Carla Schippert1 1OsloMet, Oslo, Norge PTH 3: Mental Health and Refugees 1, B307 (FCSH), September 3, 2025, 17:00-17:54 Aim: Millions of refugees worldwide have survived torture, leaving them with severe psychological and physical trauma. Healthcare environments, while intended to provide care and healing, can inadvertently contain elements that resemble past traumatic experiences, triggering distress and reactivating the torture-related trauma causing re-traumatization. This study explores how healthcare settings contribute to re-traumatization among refugee torture survivors and aims to: 1. Identify Triggers of Re-Traumatization – Examine how healthcare settings and procedures may inadvertently reactivate trauma in refugee torture survivors. 2. Understand Survivor Perspectives – Gather firsthand insights from refugee torture survivors regarding their experiences in healthcare systems. 3. Develop Trauma-Informed Recommendations – Propose practical strategies for healthcare professionals and institutions to minimize re-traumatization risks. Methods: We conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with refugee torture survivors to understand their experiences within healthcare systems. Participants were asked about specific encounters, procedures, or interactions that evoked distress, as well as their perspectives on how healthcare environments could be improved. Thematic analysis was applied to identify key patterns and factors associated with re-traumatization. Results: Our analysis revealed several recurring triggers of re-traumatization, including power imbalances, lack of informed consent, use of equipment, operating theaters, and medical procedures. Participants highlighted the absence of trauma-informed care and limited cultural competence among healthcare providers as contributing factors. Survivors expressed the need for greater sensitivity among healthcare professionals, improved communication, and adjustments in medical procedures to reduce distress. Conclusions: Healthcare settings must adopt trauma-informed approaches to minimize re-traumatization risks for refugee torture survivors. Key recommendations include enhancing provider training on trauma-sensitive care, ensuring transparent communication and informed consent, modifying clinical procedures to reduce distress, and creating culturally responsive healthcare environments. By

FAQs

What is the aim of this study?

The study explores how healthcare settings contribute to re-traumatization among refugee torture survivors and seeks to identify triggers, understand survivor perspectives, and develop trauma-informed recommendations.

How were data collected and analyzed?

In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with refugee torture survivors. Thematic analysis was applied to identify key patterns and factors linked to re-traumatization.

Which triggers of re-traumatization were found in healthcare?

Recurring triggers included power imbalances, lack of informed consent, use of equipment, operating theaters, and medical procedures, alongside the absence of trauma-informed care and limited cultural competence.

What recommendations are proposed for healthcare institutions and professionals?

Adopt trauma-informed approaches by enhancing provider training, ensuring transparent communication and informed consent, modifying clinical procedures to reduce distress, and creating culturally responsive healthcare environments.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Melati