Uncovering re-Traumatization experiences of torture survivors in somatic health care: A qualitative systematic review

Abstract

Little research has focused on torture survivors re-Traumatization experiences in health and hospital units that treat somatic diseases, though any medical procedure can re-Traumatize survivors. This study s purpose was to summarize qualitative research evidence on torture survivors somatic healthcare experiences and to identify "triggers" or "reminders" that can lead to re-Traumatization. The study s search strategies identified 6,326 citations and eight studies, comprising data from 290 participants, exploring encounters with healthcare providers from torture survivors perspectives, which were included in the present research. Dallam s Healthcare Retraumatization Model was used as a framework for data extraction and analysis. Five main themes were elicited from the findings: (1) invisibility, silence, and mistrust; (2) healthcare providers attitudes and a lack of perceived quality in healthcare; (3) disempowerment; (4) avoidance; and (5) satisfaction and gratitude. An analysis of the study s findings revealed that torture survivors do not receive adequate healthcare and may experience challenges during treatment that can result in re-Traumatization. The findings of this literature review provide a basis for understanding the difficulties that survivors experience in receiving somatic healthcare, as well as an explanation of the re-Traumatization process.