Asking and talking about a history of childhood sexual abuse

grantor: University of TorontoThis study inquired about patients' perspective on being asked about a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Three research questions were asked: (1) From the patients' perspective, who do they report should be asking about a history of CSA? (2) How do patients wish to be asked? and (3) If CSA was revealed, what are patients' experiences of both being asked and talking about CSA with nursing staff? Twenty-nine psychiatric inpatients from three hospitals were interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule developed by the researcher. A thematic analysis of each research question was conducted. Analysis of research question number one identified the following qualities in those who ask: (a) consistency in care givers, (b) being trained to deal with disclosure, and (c) doing something with the information. Analysis of research question number two identified the following themes: (a) asking in context of other relevant questions, (b) ensuring confidentiality and privacy, (c) timing inquiry appropriately, (d) ensuring clinicians have adequate time to listen, (e) presenting patients with an option to answer, and (f) creating an environment where disclosure can happen at clients' initiative. Analysis of research question number three identified two themes: (a) Task focused behaviors, and (b) authentically interested nurses. One critical implication is the need for nurses to be sensitive to the process of inquiry. Not only is it important for nurses to inquire, but how inquiry into CSA occurs is very important from the patients' perspective, and needs to be given careful consideration.M.Sc