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Third consultation

The next time Mrs. Abilowale visits the practice she gets an appointment with Dr. Quereshi.

Dr. Quereshi: What can I do for you, Mrs Abilowale? Peace: My body hurts. All over. And ... and I am leaking white water. Dr. Quereshi: Okay, I will do a general check-up to see if we can work out...what's causing your pain. I'd also like to do a gynaecological examination to see what's going on there. Dr. Quereshi does the examination: "You have an infection. What are those scars?" Dr. Quereshi is making notes on her computer: We'll...do some tests...so we can give you the right treatment. I could see some scars on your legs and your tummy. Dr. Quereshi: What happened to you, Peace? Peace is looking distressed: "They took me...they hurt me...they raped me...they..." Dr. Quereshi: Where did this happen? Peace: "Home...In Uganda...In the prison...". Dr. Quereshi: Why were you in prison?

What do you think of Dr Qureshi’s response to the fact that she suspects her patient has been tortured? What further steps could she have taken? What interview skills may be useful for health care professionals who suspect that a patient might have been a victim of torture and who would like to confirm if this is the case?

Please share your opinion below.