Trauma-Informed Care: Strategies for Medical Professionals in the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Clinic

Patients seeking care in reproductive medicine clinics are likely anxious and/or depressed, feel traumatized by their experience of infertility/pregnancy loss and/or medical diagnoses, and have histories of additional trauma exposures. Healthcare professionals and staff in fertility clinics have the ability to promote patient healing from trauma or conversely may further traumatize patients. The provision of trauma-informed patient care is vital for supporting patients and must be present in all aspects of care including scheduling, physical clinic spaces, clinic materials, procedures, and consults. Working with highly distressed patients also requires that healthcare professionals and staff care for themselves and that the organizations in which they work take accountability for their role in the well-being of its employees.