Thematic Similarities in the Narratives of Survivors of Medical Trauma: Implications for Policy and Practice

In the past few decades, medical trauma has been identified as a relatively common experience among individuals who receive medical intervention. Medical trauma occurs when an individual experiences post-traumatic stress symptoms in response to a distressing medical situation involving one’s own health and interactions with the healthcare system. Several researchers have examined specific surgeries and conditions that commonly cause medical trauma, such as open heart surgery, life-altering diagnoses (e.g., cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis), and some birthing experiences. However, to date, few researchers have focused on thematic similarities across the narratives of individuals who have experienced medical trauma. The scarcity of qualitative research on medical trauma likely contributes to a lack of awareness and understanding of medical trauma among medical professionals, mental health clinicians, and the general population. In this study, I will conduct semi-structured interviews with participants who have experienced medical trauma. Using data from participant responses, I will conduct a thematic analysis across all interviews, assessing for commonalities among various narratives and experiences of medical trauma. Researchers can utilize future findings from this study to conduct further research and raise awareness of medical trauma.