Want to start providing pelvic exam using trauma informed care? The best place to start is to give the patient the power in the situation. The following are ideas that can help give the patient power.

• Sit down when in the exam room, especially when speaking to the patient

• Be sure to ask if the patient has had a pelvic exam before

• Explain what you would like to do, even if they state they have had a pelvic exam before

• Be sure to ask the patient for CONSENT for the pelvic exam, it doesn't need to be signed but I verbal consent

• Make sure the patient knows that they can resend consent at any time.

• Explain the procedure as you move along and ask for consent with each piece. A simple, "It that okay?" will work

The following scripts are adapted from the Feminist Midwife about how to give the patient control over the pelvic exam.

Keep in mind, when you are using the script that you follow through with this and you stop or pause when they ask.

Stop means that I will keep my hands and/or tool(s) where they are, but I will stop moving until you tell me it is okay to continue

Out means that I will immediately and gently take out my hand and/or tool(s)

Ask if this language is okay with them and if not, you two can work together to come up with better words to use

Visit http://www.feministmidwife.com/2020/06/13/feminist-midwife-scripts/#.X9KTlNhKg2w for more information on scripting from the Feminist Midwife