TY - JOUR T1 - ‘Just asking the question’: a qualitative study of health professionals’ experiences and perceptions of recording torture in vulnerable migrants in primary care settings JF - British Journal of General Practice JO - Br J Gen Pract DO - 10.3399/bjgp19X702929 VL - 69 IS - suppl 1 SP - bjgp19X702929 AU - Gemma Whyatt AU - Max Cooper Y1 - 2019/06/01 UR - http://bjgp.org/content/69/suppl_1/bjgp19X702929.abstract N2 - Background A large proportion of vulnerable migrants may be survivors of torture, with complex health needs as a result; yet there is a lack of guidance or understanding of how to identify and record signs of torture. Clinical professionals in primary care are in a unique position to care for and support this patient population.Aim The primary aim of this study was to explore the primary care context of how signs of torture could be better recorded to support patients and meet their needs.Method This was a qualitative research study conducted through remote interviews with health professionals from a range of clinical backgrounds and experience of working with survivors of torture.Results Twelve health professionals participated in the study, with results analysed using applied thematic analysis. Seven themes were identified, ranging from the barriers to asking about and disclosing torture, the underlying purpose of doing so, political factors affecting this issue and various ways to potentially improve recording torture.Conclusion Before clinical professionals can record torture, they must first ask the patient about it as survivors are unlikely to raise the topic themselves. Many clinical professionals lack the awareness or confidence to do this, thereby warranting further discussion on strategies to educate clinical professionals about torture. Accessible guidance and a simple, systematic method to identify survivors of torture which is suitable for a primary care setting is necessary, with suggestions for further research including routine enquiry and targeted screening. ER -