If a pregnant patient discloses she is experiencing domestic abuse, how would you approach her care and safety?
Specialty-Specific
Purpose
This question checks your empathy and ability to advocate for patients in tough situations. Interviewers want to see if you can create a safe space for the patient and handle the complexities of domestic abuse with care.
Tips
- Start by ensuring the patient feels safe and respected in a private setting.
- Listen actively and validate her feelings, making sure she knows it's not her fault.
- Discuss immediate safety concerns and collaboratively create a safety plan with her.
Common mistakes
- Don't rush to tell her what she needs to do; that can feel disempowering.
- Avoid breaching confidentiality by involving others without her consent unless absolutely necessary.
- Don't forget to document the conversation and the safety plan clearly and objectively.