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Gold KJ, Boggs ME. Communication, Training, and Debriefing After Stillbirth in U.S. Hospitals: A National Survey. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2024. [PMID: 38842446 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2024.0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Stillbirth is a devastating event for families as well as hospital staff. Hospital practices around internal and external staff communication, debriefing, and training are unknown. Methods: We systematically sampled U.S. hospitals that provide obstetrical care. Staff knowledgeable of bereavement care on labor and delivery were invited to participate in an anonymous survey linked to hospital descriptors. We evaluated stillbirth communication, debriefing, and training for staff. Results: We received 289 usable surveys from 429 eligible staff (67% response). Most (94%) noted hospitals' marked rooms housing bereaved families, but only a third (37%) reported a marker on the paper or electronic medical record. Half of the hospitals had no standard debriefings post-loss, and 38% reported no perinatal loss training for labor and delivery nurses. Conclusions: Hospitals have significant variations and gaps in staff communication, support, and training, which are key aspects of respectful stillbirth care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Gold
- Department of Family Medicine and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Martha E Boggs
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Stanhope KK, Temple JR, Christiansen-Lindquist L, Dudley D, Stoll BJ, Varner M, Hogue CJR. Short Term Coping-Behaviors and Postpartum Health in a Population-Based Study of Women with a Live Birth, Stillbirth, or Neonatal Death. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:1103-1112. [PMID: 38270716 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03894-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Responding to the National Institutes of Health Working Group's call for research on the psychological impact of stillbirth, we compared coping-related behaviors by outcome of an index birth (surviving live birth or perinatal loss - stillbirth or neonatal death) and, among individuals with loss, characterized coping strategies and their association with depressive symptoms 6-36 months postpartum. METHODS We used data from the Stillbirth Collaborative Research Network follow-up study (2006-2008) of 285 individuals who experienced a stillbirth, 691 a livebirth, and 49 a neonatal death. We conducted a thematic analysis of coping strategies individuals recommended following their loss. We fit logistic regression models, accounting for sampling and inverse probability of follow-up weights to estimate associations between pregnancy outcomes and coping-related behaviors and, separately, coping strategies and probable depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale > 12) for those with loss. RESULTS Compared to those with a surviving live birth and adjusting for pre-pregnancy drinking and smoking, history of stillbirth, and age, individuals who experienced a loss were more likely to report increased drinking or smoking in the two months postpartum (adjusted OR: 2.7, 95% CI = 1.4-5.4). Those who smoked or drank more had greater odds of probable depression at 6 to 36 months postpartum (adjusted OR 6.4, 95% CI = 2.5-16.4). Among those with loss, recommended coping strategies commonly included communication, support groups, memorializing the loss, and spirituality. DISCUSSION Access to a variety of evidence-based and culturally-appropriate positive coping strategies may help individuals experiencing perinatal loss avoid adverse health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn K Stanhope
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 49 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
| | - Jeff R Temple
- University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Lauren Christiansen-Lindquist
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Donald Dudley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, PO Box 800617, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Barbara J Stoll
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine, 2015 Uppergate Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA
| | - Michael Varner
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology, University of Utah, 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA
| | - Carol J R Hogue
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Rubio-Alvarez A, Jiménez-Ramos C, Bravo-Vaquero C, Pulgarín-Pulgarín B, Rodríguez-Almagro J, Hernández-Martínez A. Professional approach to the care of women who have suffered a perinatal loss. Nurs Health Sci 2024; 26:e13116. [PMID: 38566393 DOI: 10.1111/nhs.13116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
To understand the experience, training, and needs of midwives in their approach to perinatal grief. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using an online questionnaire with 26 questions related to institutional management and individual clinical practices in the care of a perinatal loss was developed by a team of midwives from the Hospital "La Mancha-Centro" of Alcazar de San Juan (Ciudad Real). Strobe checklist was followed. A total of 267 midwives participated. A total of 92.1% (246) of the centers had specific protocols for action, but each professional applied their own criteria. The presence of a perinatal psychology team was nonexistent according to 88% (235) of those surveyed. Regarding their training and professional experience, 16.5% (44) of the midwives had never received training. Only 4.1% (11) of the midwives felt very prepared to care for women with a perinatal loss. Among the factors associated with greater application of recommended practices in the face of perinatal death by midwives were being a woman, having prior training on care during perinatal death, and a greater perception of preparation (p < 0.05). The perception of lack of preparation on the part of midwives in the accompaniment of these families was high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rubio-Alvarez
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Hospital Universitario de Torrejón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Jiménez-Ramos
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Hospital General de Tomelloso, Tomelloso, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Carolina Bravo-Vaquero
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Gerencia de Atencion Primaria Alcázar de San Juan, Alcázar de San Juan, Ciudad Real, Spain
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Postle V, Adams J, Hor SY. 'But it's not in their book': An interview study exploring the contextual factors influencing senior midwives' facilitation of students' clinical experiences of perinatal loss'. Women Birth 2024; 37:101627. [PMID: 38815480 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2024.101627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
PROBLEM Midwifery students are seldom afforded experiences of perinatal loss care, potentially depriving them the confidence and competence to provide effective and supportive care in such circumstances. BACKGROUND Perinatal loss care is predominantly provided by midwives. Students depend on midwives to provide clinical learning experiences of perinatal loss, preparing them for registered independent practice. The reasons behind midwives' decisions regarding the provision of clinical experiences to students remains unexplored. AIM To identify the contextual factors identified by midwives as influencing the involvement of student midwives in clinical experiences of perinatal loss. METHODS A qualitative interview study, using semi-structured interviews with 20 senior midwives in New South Wales, Australia. FINDINGS Four themes describing the contextual factors were identified: 1) it's not in their book, 2) unwritten rules, 3) activity, acuity, and 'the numbers', and 4) teaching the teachers. DISCUSSION The contextual factors influencing decisions of midwives around this issue are complex and interrelated. Commonly held beliefs within the workplace, and hesitancy to challenge the status quo, are complicated by lack of confidence in 'what to do' with a student in the space of perinatal loss. Lack of direction from governing bodies regarding requirements of students in this space, and pressures on staffing, also play key roles. CONCLUSION Midwives need support, guidance, mentorship, and supervision in what is for many, a new practice. Our findings suggest systems-level changes are needed, to allow midwives the time and space to learn and reflect on this new skill.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Postle
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Women and Babies Department, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
| | - Jon Adams
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Su-Yin Hor
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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Gold KJ, Boggs ME, Plegue MA. Gaps in Stillbirth Bereavement Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey of U.S. Hospitals by Birth Volume. Matern Child Health J 2024; 28:887-894. [PMID: 38133867 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03861-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The quality and scope of perinatal bereavement care in the United States has been evaluated by surveying bereaved parents, but little is known about how care varies across hospitals. We sought to survey clinicians about stillbirth bereavement care practices at U.S. hospitals and to evaluate care by hospital birth volume. METHODS Using American Hospital Association data, we employed stratified random sampling to select 300 hospitals from all centers with at least 100 annual deliveries. Within each state, we divided all hospitals into size quartiles and randomly selected from each until we reached the goal number per state. We then identified a staff member knowledgeable about typical bereavement care on labor and delivery at each hospital and sent an on-line survey about care. We linked survey data with hospital characteristics and used summary statistics, Chi squared, and Fisher's Exact test to compare care by hospital birth volume. RESULTS We reached an eligible respondent at 429/551 hospitals and 396 of the 429 (73%) agreed to participate. We received 289 usable surveys for an overall response rate of 67%. Only one third of hospitals (n = 96, 33%) reported staff protected time for perinatal bereavement care. Of 17 bereavement topics, just six were routinely offered by at least two-thirds of the hospitals. Financial limitations and staff shortages were the most commonly identified barriers to care and were most pronounced at small-volume hospitals. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE This study offers a snapshot in bereavement care and identified important gaps for both large and small hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Gold
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, 1018 Fuller Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104-1213, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1018 Fuller Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104-1213, USA.
| | - Martha E Boggs
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, 1018 Fuller Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104-1213, USA
| | - Melissa A Plegue
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, 1018 Fuller Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104-1213, USA
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6
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Fletcher R, Regan C, May C, Rennie A, Ludski K, George JS. Developing text-messaging support for fathers after perinatal loss. Women Birth 2024; 37:101594. [PMID: 38508068 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2024.101594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal loss is a devastating occurrence for expecting parents. Although both parents are affected, research on fathers' grief has not resulted in effective support services for fathers. AIM To describe a multi-stage co-design process for developing text messaging support for fathers experiencing perinatal loss. METHODS Co-designed text messages were developed in collaboration with a perinatal bereavement organisation, mothers and fathers with lived experience of perinatal loss, and clinicians working with bereaved parents. Bereaved parents responded to a survey about bereaved fathers' information needs (stage 1). A qualitative descriptive data analysis created topics for the generation of text messages (stage 2). Parents with lived experience and clinicians evaluated the messages on importance and clinical fit (stage 3). Messages were revised (stage 4), followed by parent and clinician evaluation and final message revision (stage 5). FINDINGS There were 959 survey respondents; the majority agreed that support for fathers would have been useful; 539 provided comments. Qualitative analysis created twelve topics within three themes, leading to the generation of 64 text messages. Messages were evaluated by 27 lived experience parents and 19 clinicians as important (91.6%) and understandable (91.3%), and 92.5% of clinicians agreed the messages fitted clinical guidelines. Message revision resulted in 59 messages across three themes. The final evaluation by 12 parents and 14 clinicians led to a final revised set of 52 messages. CONCLUSION Text-based support for bereaved fathers can be developed in a co-design process to accord with clinical practice, from topics suggested parents with lived experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Fletcher
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
| | - Casey Regan
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Chris May
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Jennifer St George
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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Lockett M, Mash RJ. Lived experiences of women with spontaneous abortion at a district hospital, South Africa. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2024; 66:e1-e9. [PMID: 38708752 PMCID: PMC11079354 DOI: 10.4102/safp.v66i1.5917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spontaneous abortions occur in 12.5% of pregnancies and have a significant impact on the well-being of women. Dissatisfaction with health services is well-documented, but no studies have been conducted in district health services of the Western Cape. The aim was to explore the lived experiences of women presenting with spontaneous abortions to the emergency department at Helderberg Hospital. METHODS A descriptive phenomenological qualitative study used criterion-based purposive sampling to identify suitable participants. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews. Atlas-ti (version 22) software assisted with data analysis using the framework method. RESULTS A total of nine participants were interviewed. There were four main themes: a supportive environment, staff attitudes and behaviour, the impact of time, and sharing of information. The comfort, cleanliness and privacy of the environment were important. COVID-19 had also impacted on this. Showing interest, demonstrating empathy and being nonjudgemental were important, as well as the waiting time for definitive treatment and the time needed to assimilate and accept the diagnosis. In addition, the ability to give relevant information, explain the diagnosis and help patients share in decision-making were key issues. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the need for a more person-centred approach and managers should focus on changes to organisational culture through training and clinical governance activities. Attention should be paid to the physical environment, availability of patient information materials and sequential coordination of care with primary care services.Contribution: This study identifies issues that can improve person-centredness and women's satisfaction with care for spontaneous abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall Lockett
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town.
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Fogarty S, Heazell AEP, Munk N, Hay P. Swedish massage as an adjunct approach to Help suppOrt individuals Pregnant after Experiencing a prior Stillbirth (HOPES): a convergent parallel mixed-methods single-arm feasibility trial protocol. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:67. [PMID: 38689324 PMCID: PMC11059749 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01499-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women experiencing pregnancy after stillbirth experience high levels of anxiety, fear and depression. Standard antenatal care may be emotionally unsuitable for many women at this time, and there is a lack of evidence on what interventions or approaches to care might benefit these women. Therapeutic massage may assist women after stillbirth by decreasing anxiety, worry and stress. OBJECTIVE This paper outlines the objectives, methodology, outcome and assessment measures for the Helping suppOrt individuals Pregnant after Experiencing a Stillbirth (HOPES) feasibility trial which evaluates massage as an adjunct approach to care for pregnant women who have experienced a prior stillbirth. It also outlines data collection timing and considerations for analysing the data. METHODS HOPES will use a convergent parallel mixed-methods, single-arm repeated measures trial design in trained massage therapists' private clinics across Australia. HOPES aims to recruit 75 individuals pregnant after a previous stillbirth. The intervention is massage therapy treatments, and participants will receive up to five massages within a 4-month period at intervals of their choosing. Primary quantitative outcomes are the feasibility and acceptability of the massage intervention. Secondary outcomes include determining the optimal timing of massage therapy delivery and the collection of measures for anxiety, worry, stress and self-management. A thematic analysis of women's experiences undertaking the intervention will also be conducted. A narrative and joint display approach to integrate mixed-methods data is planned. DISCUSSION The HOPES study will determine the feasibility and preliminary evidence for massage therapy as an intervention to support women who are pregnant after a stillbirth. TRIAL REGISTRATION CLINICALTRIALS gov NCT05636553. Registered on December 3, 2022, and the trial is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Fogarty
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia.
| | - Alexander E P Heazell
- School of Medical Sciences, Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Obstetrics, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Niki Munk
- School of Health & Human Sciences, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), Fellow and Visiting Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Massage & MyotherapyAustralia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Phillipa Hay
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
- Mental Health Services, SWSLHD, Campbelltown Hospital, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
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De Vincenzo C, Cena L, Trainini A, Nieddu C, Iacona E, Ronconi L, Testoni I. Perinatal Loss and Parents' Grief Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Research. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:339. [PMID: 38667135 PMCID: PMC11047657 DOI: 10.3390/bs14040339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Losing a child is a traumatic event, disrupting life's natural cycle, profoundly affecting the family system, and causing enduring grief. Perinatal death, including ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths, exacerbates this distress. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged healthcare systems and supporting services available to individuals in need. Thus, this research explores experiences of parents facing perinatal loss in 2020-2021, further focusing on the pandemic's impact. Using a mixed-methods design with self-reports and qualitative interviews, this paper presents results from the quantitative protocol, involving an update and follow-up of a previous study. It compares measurements across scales: COVID-19: The Impact of Event Scale-Revised; The Prolonged Grief-13; The Parental Assessment of Paternal/Maternal Affectivity; The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (short version); The Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale; and The Inventory of Complicated Spiritual Grief. In the baseline measurement, 45 parents participated (37 mothers and 8 fathers), with 20 (13 mothers and 7 fathers) contributing to the follow-up and 9 engaging in interviews. Baseline results showed higher scores for mothers compared to fathers, with effect sizes ranging from small to medium (ranging from -0.02 to 0.29), though statistical significance was limited due to the small sample size. Multiple regression analysis for distress measures at baseline identified two significant predictors: maternal/paternal affectivity and gestational week. Additionally, positive support from healthcare professionals emerged as a mitigating factor, particularly in relation to Avoidance. A significant reduction in stress measures and parental affectivity was observed at the 6-month follow-up. Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: Shifts in Self-Perception and Post-Loss Growth; Conflicted Relationship with One's Body; and Negative Impact of COVID-19 vs. Unexpectedly Positive Aspects. In conclusion, the findings emphasize the significance of psychological and psychosocial interventions based on meaning-making processes, along with the importance of spiritual care and empowerment for those navigating perinatal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciro De Vincenzo
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (C.D.V.); (C.N.); (E.I.)
| | - Loredana Cena
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (L.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Alice Trainini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (L.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Chiara Nieddu
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (C.D.V.); (C.N.); (E.I.)
| | - Erika Iacona
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (C.D.V.); (C.N.); (E.I.)
| | - Lucia Ronconi
- Computer and Statistical Services, Multifunctional Pole of Psychology, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy;
| | - Ines Testoni
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy; (C.D.V.); (C.N.); (E.I.)
- Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
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Warland J, Pollock D, Collier A, Horey D, Boyle F. Parents' descriptions of labouring with an antepartum fetal death: Findings from the Birthing in Grief study. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 64:133-140. [PMID: 37833833 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence to guide intrapartum care when an unborn baby has died is limited. AIMS To explore parents' experiences of care during labour of an antepartum stillbirth. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semi-structured interviews with 18 bereaved parents from across Australia. Content analysis was conducted. FINDINGS Two broad themes were identified: 'explaining every step' and 'helping us feel like parents.' Sub-themes under the first broad theme, 'explaining every step', were 'how and when information was given' and 'what happens next.' 'Like any other parent', 'feeling the pain' and 'everything is clouded' were sub-themes of the second broad theme. These findings mapped to current Australian clinical practice guidelines for bereavement care around stillbirth and neonatal death, ie good communication, recognition of parenthood, shared decision making and effective support. CONCLUSIONS This study on parents' experiences of labour with a fetal death in utero brings an important perspective to intrapartum care for this group. As far as we are aware, this study is the first to focus solely on this aspect of care. Our findings could be readily mapped to the four perinatal bereavement care goals. Parents wanted care providers to facilitate their choices, their sense of control, their autonomy and their agency. They wanted to feel that they had received the 'best' care available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Warland
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, UniSA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Danielle Pollock
- Evidence-Based Healthcare Research Division, JBI, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Dell Horey
- Faculty of Science Agriculture Business and Law, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frances Boyle
- Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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11
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Wynter K, Mansour KA, Forbes F, Macdonald JA. Barriers and opportunities for health service access among fathers: A review of empirical evidence. Health Promot J Austr 2024. [PMID: 38494641 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED Engagement with health supports benefits the whole family, yet few health services report successful engagement of fathers. Our aim was to describe available evidence on barriers and opportunities relevant to health system access for fathers. METHODS Scoping reviews were conducted seeking empirical evidence from (1) Australian studies and (2) international literature reviews. RESULTS A total of 52 Australian studies and 44 international reviews were included. The most commonly reported barriers were at the health service level, related to an exclusionary health service focus on mothers. These included both 'surface' factors (e.g., appointment times limited to traditional employment hours) and 'deep' factors, in which health service policies perpetuate traditional gender norms of mothers as 'caregivers' and fathers as 'supporters' or 'providers'. Such barriers were reported consistently, including but not limited to fathers from First Nations or culturally diverse backgrounds, those at risk of poor mental health, experiencing perinatal loss or other adverse pregnancy and birth events, and caring for children with illness, neurodevelopmental or behavioural problems. Opportunities for father engagement include offering father-specific resources and support, facilitating health professionals' confidence and training in working with fathers, and 'gateway consultations', including engaging fathers via appointments for mothers or infants. Ideally, top-down policies should support fathers as infant caregivers in a family-based approach. CONCLUSIONS Although barriers and opportunities exist at individual and cultural levels, health services hold the key to improved engagement of fathers. SO WHAT?: Evidence-based, innovative strategies, informed by fathers' needs and healthy masculinities, are needed to engage fathers in health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Wynter
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kayla A Mansour
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Faye Forbes
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacqui A Macdonald
- Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Hildingsson I, Berterö C, Hultcrantz M, Kärrman Fredriksson M, Peira N, Silverstein RA, Persson M, Sveen J. Support interventions to reduce psychological distress in families experiencing stillbirth in high income countries: A systematic review. Women Birth 2024; 37:296-302. [PMID: 38242808 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2024.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research indicates disparities in the care of bereaved parents and siblings following a stillbirth in the family. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of interventions aimed at reducing psychological distress among parents or siblings in high-income countries after experiencing a stillbirth. METHODS The databases CINAHL, Medline, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were searched in August 2022. RESULTS Four intervention studies from the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Finland, and Australia, met the inclusion criteria. The interventions comprised a perinatal grief support team; a perinatal counselling service; a grief support program; and a support package including contacts with peer supporters and health care staff. No studies of interventions for siblings were found. The results could not be synthesised due to disparities in interventions and outcome measures. The risk of bias was assessed as high in all four studies and the certainty for all outcomes was rated as very low. CONCLUSION More controlled trials with rigorous methods are needed to evaluate the effect of bereavement support interventions in parents and siblings after stillbirth. Future studies should include a core outcome set to make them more comparable. Most of the studies in this review were assessed to have an overall high risk of bias, mainly due to problems with missing outcome data; thus, future studies could specifically target this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingegerd Hildingsson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Carina Berterö
- Division of Nursing Sciences and Reproductive Health, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Monica Hultcrantz
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maja Kärrman Fredriksson
- Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Peira
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rebecca A Silverstein
- Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU), Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Josefin Sveen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Centre for Crisis Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Pekyiğit A, Yildiz D, Deniz AÖ, Çalik Bağriyanik B. White Tears: A Phenomenological Study of Perinatal Loss. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241234381. [PMID: 38356333 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241234381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Perinatal loss is a traumatic experience for parents. This research was conducted to evaluate the experiences and needs of parents after perinatal loss. An interpretative phenomenological study was carried out between January 2021 and July 2022 with 6 parental pairs (12 people in total, 6 mothers and 6 fathers) who experienced a perinatal loss. Participants were reached by snowball sampling method. Data were collected using semi-structured audio recording interviews that were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. The themes of this study were determined as "attributing meaning to loss", "fragmented parenting roles and expectations", "changing relationships", "expectations from healthcare professionals", and "emotional responses". Five sub-themes were created from the emotional responses theme which included. These are sadness and pain, denial, anger, guilt and fear. In the study, it was concluded that the experience of perinatal loss may have negative consequences on the psychological health of the parents. Therefore, specific, professional, adequate nursing support and continuity of support are needed to help parents cope with perinatal losses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Pekyiğit
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Çankırı Karatekin University, Çankiri, Turkey
| | - Dilek Yildiz
- Gülhane Faculty of Nursing, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Health Sciences University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Özge Deniz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Çankırı Karatekin University, Çankiri, Turkey
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Almansa-Sáez AM, Carmona-Samper ME, Merchán-Carrillo AM, Fernández-Medina IM. Level of professional quality of life and coping with death competence in healthcare professionals exposed to perinatal loss: A cross-sectional study. DEATH STUDIES 2024; 48:140-149. [PMID: 36975846 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2193811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal loss is a traumatic and stressful experience with a significant emotional toll on the physical and psychological wellbeing of the healthcare professionals. We included 216 healthcare professionals working in an obstetrics-gynecology service or neonatal intensive care unit in a cross-sectional study and aimed to analyze the possible association between the healthcare professionals' level of professional quality of life, their coping with death competence, and their personal and work-related characteristics. Compassion fatigue and burnout did not correlate significantly with healthcare professionals' personal and work-related characteristics. Formal training was strongly associated with high levels of compassion satisfaction and coping with death competence. A low level of coping with death competence was found in women and in younger healthcare professionals, those who are single, and with little professional experience. Self-care activities and hospital support systems can be effective resources in coping with death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - María Encarnación Carmona-Samper
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
- Health Research Center (CEINSA), University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Ana María Merchán-Carrillo
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
- Center for Neuropsychological Assessment and Rehabilitation (CERNEP), University of Almería, Almería, Spain
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15
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Debbink MP, Stanhope KK, Hogue CJR. Racial and ethnic inequities in stillbirth in the US: Looking upstream to close the gap: Seminars in Perinatology. Semin Perinatol 2024; 48:151865. [PMID: 38220545 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2023.151865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Though stillbirth rates in the United States improved over the previous decades, inequities in stillbirth by race and ethnicity have persisted nearly unchanged since data collection began. Black and Indigenous pregnant people face a two-fold greater risk of experiencing the devastating consequences of stillbirth compared to their White counterparts. Because race is a social rather than biological construct, inequities in stillbirth rates are a downstream consequence of structural, institutional, and interpersonal racism which shape a landscape of differential access to opportunities for health. These downstream consequences can include differences in the prevalence of chronic health conditions as well as structural differences in the quality of health care or healthy neighborhood conditions, each of which likely plays a role in racial and ethnic inequities in stillbirth. Research and intervention approaches that utilize an equity lens may identify ways to close gaps in stillbirth incidence or in responding to the health and socioemotional consequences of stillbirth. A community-engaged approach that incorporates experiential wisdom will be necessary to create a full picture of the causes and consequences of inequity in stillbirth outcomes. Investigators working in tandem with community partners, utilizing a combination of qualitative, quantitative, and implementation science approaches, may more fully elucidate the underpinnings of racial and ethnic inequities in stillbirth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle P Debbink
- University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles, School of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salt Lake City, UT.
| | - Kaitlyn K Stanhope
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Atlanta, GA
| | - Carol J R Hogue
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, GA
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16
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Qian J, Wu G, Jevitt C, Sun S, Wang M, Sun X, Yu X. Psychological pathway to emotional exhaustion among nurses and midwives who provide perinatal bereavement care in China: a path analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:90. [PMID: 38297253 PMCID: PMC10832229 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05534-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A lack of confidence in perinatal bereavement care (PBC) and the psychological trauma experienced by nurses and midwives during bereavement care leads to their strong need for sufficient organisational support. The current study intended to test a hypothesised model of the specific impact paths among organisational support, confidence in PBC, secondary traumatic stress, and emotional exhaustion among nurses and midwives. METHODS A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted in sixteen maternity hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China, from August to October 2021. The sample (n = 779) consisted of obstetric nurses and midwives. A path analysis was used to test the relationships among study variables and assess model fit. RESULTS Organisational support directly and positively predicted confidence in PBC and demonstrated a direct, negative, and significant association with secondary traumatic stress and emotional exhaustion. Confidence in PBC had a positive direct effect on secondary traumatic stress and a positive indirect effect on emotional exhaustion via secondary traumatic stress. Secondary traumatic stress exhibited a significant, direct effect on emotional exhaustion. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that nurses' and midwives' confidence in PBC and mental health were leadingly influenced by organisational support in perinatal bereavement practice. It is worth noting that higher confidence in PBC may lead to more serious psychological trauma symptoms in nurses and midwives. Secondary traumatic stress plays an essential role in contributing to emotional exhaustion. The findings suggest that support from organisations and self-care interventions were required to improve confidence in PBC and reduce negative psychological outcomes among those providing PBC. The development of objective measures for assessing competence in PBC and organizational support are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Qian
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Midwifery Division, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Gaoyan Wu
- Surgery Department of Thyroid and Breast, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cecilia Jevitt
- Midwifery Division, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Shiwen Sun
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, 1st Xueshi Road, Zhejiang Province, 310006
| | - Man Wang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangyu Sun
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, 1st Xueshi Road, Zhejiang Province, 310006.
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Hennessy M, O'Donoghue K. Bridging the gap between pregnancy loss research and policy and practice: insights from a qualitative survey with knowledge users. Health Res Policy Syst 2024; 22:15. [PMID: 38273374 PMCID: PMC10809434 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-024-01103-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The loss of a pregnancy or the death of baby around the time of their birth can have profound impacts on parents, families and staff involved. There is much opportunity to enhance the systematic uptake of evidence-based interventions to enhance service provision, lived experiences and outcomes. Challenges exist to translating pregnancy loss research evidence into policy and practice, however. Pregnancy loss remains a neglected area of research and resourcing and is steeped in stigma. While barriers and facilitators to the use of research evidence by decision-makers in public health and health services are well documented, we aimed to better understand the factors that influence the translation of pregnancy loss research into practice and policy. METHODS We conducted a qualitative online survey of pregnancy loss research knowledge users in Ireland, identified through our clinical and academic networks, between January and March 2022. The survey comprised ten questions, with three closed questions, informed by the Knowledge Translation Planning Template©. Questions included who could benefit from pregnancy loss research, perceived barriers and facilitators to the use of research evidence and preferred knowledge translation strategies. We analysed data using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS We included data from 46 participants in our analysis, from which we generated two central themes. The first-'End the silence; stigma and inequality around pregnancy loss to enhance awareness and understanding, public health and services and supports'-addresses issues related to the stigma, sensitivities and silence, lack of awareness and understanding, and lack of relevance or priority afforded to pregnancy loss. The second theme-'Use a range of tailored, accessible approaches to engage a large, diverse range of knowledge users'-highlights the need to use relevant, accessible, and engaging information, resources or materials in knowledge translation efforts, and a variety of tailored approaches to suit different audiences, including materials, workshops/webinars, media, knowledge brokers and champions or opinion leaders. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis provides rich insights into the barriers and facilitators to knowledge translation in the field of pregnancy loss research. We identified key strategies that can be used to inform knowledge translation planning in Ireland, and which have international applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Hennessy
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland.
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland.
| | - Keelin O'Donoghue
- Pregnancy Loss Research Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, T12 YE02, Ireland
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Fernández-Basanta S, Rodríguez-Pérez R, Coronado C, Movilla-Fernández MJ. Knight by force and wounded, protecting without a shield: A meta-ethnography of men's experiences after an involuntary pregnancy loss. Midwifery 2023; 126:103827. [PMID: 37741180 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesize the available body of qualitative research regarding the experiences of men after an involuntary pregnancy loss. DESIGN Noblit and Hare's interpretive meta-ethnography of 13 original qualitative articles was carried out. RESULTS After reciprocal and refutational translations, the lines of argument synthesis were developed, together with the metaphor "Knight by force and wounded, protecting without a shield." This metaphor symbolizes the experience of men after an involuntary pregnancy loss. CERQual assessment showed that the results are a (highly) reasonable representation of the phenomenon of interest. CONCLUSIONS The men attempted to cope with the loss of fatherhood and suffering, while managing the lack of social recognition and social expectations of masculinity in terms of their behaviour and expression of suffering. They tended to be strong, although they did not always have the necessary support or knowledge. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Comprehensive and individualized care that includes the man is required. This requires the theoretical-practical training of nurses and midwives, and the provision of tools that help the emotional management of emotionally demanding care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fernández-Basanta
- Research Group GRINCAR, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of A Coruña, Naturalista López Seoane s/n, Ferrol 15471, Spain.
| | - Rita Rodríguez-Pérez
- Nurse. University Hospital Complex of A Coruña, Galician Health Service (SERGAS), As Xubias, 84, A Coruña 15006, Spain
| | - Carmen Coronado
- Research Group GRINCAR, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of A Coruña, Naturalista López Seoane s/n, Ferrol 15471, Spain
| | - María-Jesús Movilla-Fernández
- Research Group GRINCAR, Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of A Coruña, Naturalista López Seoane s/n, Ferrol 15471, Spain
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Rossen L, Opie JE, O'Dea G. A Mother's Voice: The Construction of Maternal Identity Following Perinatal Loss. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231209769. [PMID: 37871980 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231209769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal identity, a mother's internalized view of self as mother, has not been studied in relation to perinatal loss. This study aimed to investigate how women construct a sense of maternal identity after the loss of a baby. METHODS We interviewed 10 mothers who had experienced perinatal loss. A Listening Guide framework for narrative analysis was used to identify patterns of giving voice to the mother's own story. RESULTS We identified 12 overarching voices which fell within three distinct groupings: voices of motherhood, voices of grief, and voices of growth. Although bereaved mothers grappled with constructing their maternal identity, they also demonstrated how maternal identity is individually and intuitively created through an honouring and remembering of the child that was lost, resulting in significant growth. CONCLUSIONS There is need for a broader definition of what constitutes motherhood to encapsulate diverse mothering experiences, including perinatal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Rossen
- Department of Counselling Psychology, Trinity Western University, Langley, BC, Canada
| | - Jessica E Opie
- The Bouverie Centre, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gypsy O'Dea
- School of Psychology, Centre for Social and Emotional Early Development, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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Martínez-García E, Lara-Rodríguez H, Álvarez-Serrano MA, González-García A, Martín-Salvador A, Gázquez-López M, Pérez-Morente MÁ. Good practices in perinatal bereavement care in public maternity hospitals in Southern Spain. Midwifery 2023; 124:103749. [PMID: 37271065 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the attitudes and care practices of midwives and nurses in the province of Granada in relation to death care and perinatal bereavement, to determine their degree of adaptation to international standards and to identify possible differences in personal factors among those who best adapt to international recommendations. DESIGN A local survey of 117 nurses and midwives from the five maternity hospitals in the province was conducted using the Lucina questionnaire developed to explore professionals' emotions, opinions, and knowledge during perinatal bereavement care. Adaptation of practices to international recommendations was assessed using the CiaoLapo Stillbirth Support (CLASS) checklist. Socio-demographic data were collected to establish their association with increased compliance with recommendations. FINDINGS The response rate was 75.4%, the majority were women (88.9%), with a mean age of 40.9 (SD=1.4) and 17.4 (SD= 10.58) years of work experience. Midwives were the most represented (67.5%) and reported having attended more cases of perinatal death (p = 0.010) and having more specific training (p<0.001.) Of these, 57.3% would recommend immediate delivery, 26.5% would recommend the use of pharmacological sedation during delivery and 47% would take the baby immediately if the parents expressed their wish not to watch them. On the other hand, only 58% would be in favour of taking photos for the creation of memories, 47% would bathe and dress the baby in all cases, and 33.3% would allow the company of other family members. The percentage that matched each recommendation on memory-making was 58%, 41.9% matched the recommendations on respect for the baby and parents, and 23% and 10.3% matched the appropriate delivery and follow-up options, respectively. The factors associated with 100% of the recommendations, according to the care sector, were being a woman, a midwife, having specific training and having personally experienced the situation. KEY CONCLUSIONS Although the levels of adaptation observed are more favourable than in other nearby contexts, serious deficiencies are identified in the province of Granada with respect to internationally agreed recommendations on perinatal bereavement care. More training and awareness-raising of midwives and nurses is needed, which also considers factors related to better compliance. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE This is the first study to quantify the degree of adaptation to international recommendations in Spain reported by midwives and nurses, as well as the individual factors associated with a higher level of compliance. Areas for improvement and explanatory variables of adaptation are identified, which allow support for possible training and awareness-raising programmes aimed at improving the quality of care provided to bereaved families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Encarnación Martínez-García
- Department of Nursing. University of Granada, Spain; Guadix Hospital (Granada). Andalusian Health Service, Spain
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Ravaldi C, Mercuro C, Mosconi L, Roper F, Lotto L, Vannacci A, Gavaruzzi T. Communication and shared decision-making after stillbirth: Results of the ShaDeS study. Women Birth 2023; 36:e518-e526. [PMID: 37062619 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shared decision-making (SDM) is included in guidelines for bereavement care after a stillbirth, as it can improve women's long-term health and wellbeing. SDM within the stillbirth context is still not common, and Italy does not yet have standardised guidelines. AIM The ShaDeS (Shared Decision-Making in Stillbirth) study aims to investigate how Italian women with a stillbirth perceive their own centrality in decision-making processes around bereavement care and how this might impact satisfaction of care. METHODS The ShaDeS study is a cross-sectional study based on a web survey consisted of four sections: sociodemographic information and medical history, communication of bad news and bereavement care, decisions about childbirth (SDM-Q-9, SHARED, and DCS), and decisions and communication about autopsy (CPS). FINDINGS 187 women answered the survey. For the 41.1% of women that did not have an emergency childbirth, the SDM-Q-9 median score was 66.6 (0-100 range), and the SHARED median score was 3.5 (1-5 range). 29.4% of participants reached the proposed cutoff of 37.5 in the DCS (0-100 range) suggesting a difficulty in reaching decisions. Satisfaction scores were lower for those with such difficulties (p < 0.0001). Of the 64.5% of women that discussed autopsy, 28.3% were involved in an SDM approach, despite this being associated with higher levels of satisfaction of care (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION An SDM approach is only moderately widespread amongst our participants, despite it being significantly related to higher levels of satisfaction. Further studies should investigate the tools that both patients and healthcare professionals need for an SDM approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ravaldi
- CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Prato, Italy; PeaRL - Perinatal Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Mercuro
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Mosconi
- CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Prato, Italy; PeaRL - Perinatal Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Lorella Lotto
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alfredo Vannacci
- CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Prato, Italy; PeaRL - Perinatal Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Teresa Gavaruzzi
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Ssegujja E, Ddumba I, Andipatin M. An exploration of health workers' experiences in providing bereavement care to mothers following a stillbirth: results from a subnational level health system in Uganda. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:588. [PMID: 37592205 PMCID: PMC10433559 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05913-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stillbirth is a profound emotion-laden event to the mothers and health workers who provide care due to its sudden and unexpected occurrence. Health workers offering support in regions shouldering the highest-burden experience providing support to a stillbirth mother in their professional lifetime. However, their experiences seldom get documented as much of the focus is on mothers causing a dissonance between parental and clinical priorities. This study aimed to explore the health worker's experiences in the provision of bereavement care to mothers following a stillbirth. METHODS An exploratory cross-sectional qualitative study was undertaken on a purposively selected sample of key informants drawn from frontline health workers and health systems managers providing maternal health services at a subnational level health system in Uganda. An interview guide was used to collect data with the audio-recorded interviews transcribed using Microsoft office word. Atlas. ti a qualitative data management software aided in coding with analysis following a thematic content analysis technique. RESULTS There was no specialised bereavement care provided due to inadequate skills, knowledge of content, resources and support supervision for the same. However, health workers improvised within the available resources to comfort mothers upon news of a stillbirth. Disclosure to mothers about the stillbirth loss often took the form of forewarnings, direct and sometimes delayed disclosure. A feeling of unpreparedness to initiate the disclosure process to the mother was common while the whole experience had an emotional effect on the health workers when establishing the cause, particularly for cases without clear risk factors. The emotional breakdown was often a reflexive response from the mothers which equally affected the care providers. Health workers engaged in comforting and rebuilding the mothers to transition through the loss and validate the loss. Efforts to identify the skills and health systems gaps for address were a common response targeted at improving the quality of maternal healthcare services to avert similar occurrences in the future. CONCLUSION Providing care to mothers after stillbirth was an emotional and challenging experience for health workers requiring different approaches to disclosure and provision of emotional support. The aspect of specialised bereavement care was lacking within the current response. Reflection of unpreparedness to handle the tasks demonstrates a deficit in the required skills. It is a critical gap missing hence calling for dedicated efforts to address it. Targeting efforts to improve health workers' competencies and preparedness to manage grieving mothers is one way to approach it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Ssegujja
- Department of Health Policy Planning and Management, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa.
| | - Isaac Ddumba
- Mukono District Local Government, Mukono, Uganda
| | - Michelle Andipatin
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
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Persson M, Hildingsson I, Hultcrantz M, Kärrman Fredriksson M, Peira N, Silverstein RA, Sveen J, Berterö C. Care and support when a baby is stillborn: A systematic review and an interpretive meta-synthesis of qualitative studies in high-income countries. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289617. [PMID: 37582089 PMCID: PMC10427022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Approximately 2 million babies are stillborn annually worldwide, most in low- and middle-income countries. Present review studies of the parental and healthcare providers' experiences of stillbirth often include a variety of settings, which may skew the findings as the available resources can vary considerably. In high-income countries, the prevalence of stillbirth is low, and support programs are often initiated immediately when a baby with no signs of life is detected. There is limited knowledge about what matters to parents, siblings, and healthcare providers when a baby is stillborn in high-income countries. OBJECTIVES This systematic review and interpretive meta-synthesis aim to identify important aspects of care and support for parents, siblings, and healthcare professionals in high-income countries from the diagnosis of stillbirth throughout the birth and postpartum period. METHODS A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis were conducted to gain a deeper and broader understanding of the available knowledge about treatment and support when stillbirth occurred. Relevant papers were identified by systematically searching international electronic databases and citation tracking. The quality of the included studies was assessed, and the data was interpreted and synthesised using Gadamer's hermeneutics. The review protocol, including qualitative and quantitative study approaches, was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022306655). RESULTS Sixteen studies were identified and included in the qualitative meta-synthesis. Experiences of care and support were interpreted and identified as four fusions. First, Personification is of central importance and stresses the need to acknowledge the baby as a unique person. The parents became parents even though their baby was born dead: The staff should also be recognised as the individuals they are with their personal histories. Second, the personification is reinforced by a respectful attitude where the parents are confirmed in their grief; the baby is treated the same way a live baby would be. Healthcare professionals need enough time to process their experiences before caring for other families giving birth. Third, Existential issues about life and death become intensely tangible for everyone involved, and they often feel lonely and vulnerable. Healthcare professionals also reflect on the thin line between life and death and often question their performance, especially when lacking collegial and organisational support. Finally, the fusion Stigmatisation focused on how parents, siblings, and healthcare professionals experienced stigma expressed as a sense of loneliness, vulnerability, and being deviant and marginalised when a baby died before or during birth. GRADE CERQual ratings for the four fusions ranged from moderate to high confidence. CONCLUSIONS The profound experiences synthesised in the fusions of this meta-synthesis showed the complex impacts the birth of a baby with no signs of life had on everyone involved. These fusions can be addressed and supported by applying person-centred care to all individuals involved. Hence, grief may be facilitated for parents and siblings, and healthcare professionals may be provided with good conditions in their professional practice. Furthermore, continuing education and support to healthcare professionals may facilitate them to provide compassionate care and support to affected parents and siblings. The fusions should also be considered when implementing national recommendations, guidelines, and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ingegerd Hildingsson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Monica Hultcrantz
- Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU), Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maja Kärrman Fredriksson
- Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Peira
- Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU), Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rebecca A. Silverstein
- Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josefin Sveen
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Crisis Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Carina Berterö
- Division of Nursing Sciences and Reproductive Health, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Mensah Abrampah NA, Okwaraji YB, You D, Hug L, Maswime S, Pule C, Blencowe H, Jackson D. Global Stillbirth Policy Review - Outcomes And Implications Ahead of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal Agenda. Int J Health Policy Manag 2023; 12:7391. [PMID: 38618824 PMCID: PMC10590256 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2023.7391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, data on stillbirth is limited. A call to action has been issued to governments to address the data gap by strengthening national policies and strategies to drive urgent action on stillbirth reduction. This study aims to understand the policy environment for stillbirths to advance stillbirth recording and reporting in data systems. METHODS A systematic three-step process (survey tool examination, identifying relevant study questions, and reviewing country responses to the survey and national documents) was taken to review country responses to the global 2018-2019 World Health Organization (WHO) Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Policy Survey. Policy Survey responses were reviewed to identify if and how stillbirths were included in national documents. This paper uses descriptive analyses to identify and describe the relationship between multiple variables. RESULTS Responses from 155 countries to the survey were analysed, and over 800 national policy documents submitted by countries in English reviewed. Fewer than one-fifth of countries have an established stillbirth rate (SBR) target, with higher percentages reported for under-5 (71.0%) and neonatal mortality (68.5%). Two-thirds (65.8%) of countries reported a national maternal death review panel. Less than half (43.9%) of countries have a national policy that requires stillbirths to be reviewed. Two-thirds of countries have a national policy requiring review of neonatal deaths. WHO websites and national health statistics reports are the common data sources for stillbirth estimates. Countries that are signatories to global initiatives on stillbirth reduction have established national targets. Globally, nearly all countries (94.8%) have a national policy that requires every death to be registered. However, 45.5% of reviewed national policy documents made mention of registering stillbirths. Only 5 countries had national policy documents recommending training of health workers in filling out death certificates using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 for stillbirths. CONCLUSION The current policy environment in countries is not supportive for identifying stillbirths and recording causes of death. This is likely to contribute to slow progress in stillbirth reduction. The paper proposes policy recommendations to make every baby count.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana A. Mensah Abrampah
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Yemisrach B. Okwaraji
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive & Child Health Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Danzhen You
- Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring, UNICEF, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Lucia Hug
- Division of Data, Analytics, Planning and Monitoring, UNICEF, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Salome Maswime
- Global Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Caroline Pule
- Global Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hannah Blencowe
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive & Child Health Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Debra Jackson
- Maternal, Adolescent, Reproductive & Child Health Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Galeotti M, Heaney S, Robinson M, Aventin Á. Evaluation of a pregnancy loss education intervention for undergraduate nursing students in Northern Ireland: A pre- and post-test study. BMC Nurs 2023; 22:268. [PMID: 37580730 PMCID: PMC10424365 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01408-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research highlights the importance of compassionate communication, adequate delivery of information, and professional support to help alleviate parental distress following pregnancy loss. However, many healthcare professionals do not feel sufficiently trained to deal with pregnancy loss in practice. We aimed to address this deficiency with an evidence-informed educational intervention to increase knowledge, skills, self-awareness, and confidence regarding pregnancy loss among UK nursing students. METHODS Educational resources, which included an 82-minute podcast and 40-minute online lecture were developed. The podcast focused on the lived experiences of three women who had experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, and termination of pregnancy for medical reasons. The pre-recorded lecture included definitions of types of pregnancy loss, discussion of the importance of communication, and information on the clinical management of pregnancy loss. Students were presented with both the lecture and podcast as a self-directed element of existing curricula. A pre-test/post-test cross-sectional survey design was used to investigate the impact of the educational intervention. The Perinatal Bereavement Care Confidence Scale (PBCCS) was completed by 244 first year BSc Nursing students before and up to a week after receiving the intervention. Quantitative data were analysed using a Paired Samples Wilcoxon test. Responses to open-ended questions, which allowed students to give feedback on the intervention content and delivery were analysed using Qualitative Content Analysis. RESULTS 96% (n = 235) of the sample reported having no prior experience or training in the management and support of those experiencing pregnancy loss. At pre-test, 88% (n = 215) of students rated themselves as not confident in dealing with pregnancy loss in a professional capacity. Post-test, we found statistically significant effects for perceived competency on all learning outcomes (p < .001). Qualitative analysis of n = 745 individual text responses to open-ended questions indicated four categories related to the perceived value of using real-life stories for learning, demystifying a taboo subject, and providing tools for practice. Respondents suggested the inclusion of more information on memory-making, support networks, and mental health following pregnancy loss. CONCLUSIONS The educational intervention increased student nurses' perceived knowledge, confidence, and skills in caring for families experiencing pregnancy loss. This offers potential for increased quality of care for those experiencing pregnancy loss in healthcare settings, increased patient satisfaction, and improved mental health-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Galeotti
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Heaney
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Robinson
- Stress, Trauma and Related Conditions Research Centre, School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Áine Aventin
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
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Ingrisch S, Berth H, Schulze W. [Psychosocial Care of Early Bereaved Parents - A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study at German Maternity Wards]. Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2023; 227:287-293. [PMID: 37011898 DOI: 10.1055/a-2039-2962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The death of an infant shortly after birth places a massive psychological burden on the parents involved. The availability of compassionate obstetric care is an important contributor to the prevention of sequelae. METHODS The aim of this study is to survey the current practice of psychosocial care for parents in perinatal infant death in German hospitals and to investigate the association between hospital size and number of information services for parents and between support services for hospital staff and number of information services for bereaved parents. In a quantitative cross-sectional study in the form of a full survey, professionals in 206 German hospitals with maternity wards were interviewed using questionnaires. The data were analyzed using a regression analysis. RESULTS 206 hospitals participated in the survey. The analyses confirm: Hospital size has a highly significant positive influence on the number of services for bereaved parents. The number of services provided to hospital staff has a highly significant positive influence on the number of informational services provided to bereaved parents. CONCLUSION Recommendations for action from this study are: Special training of clinic staff on the topic of perinatal infant death, strengthening of the doctor-patient relationship through Balint or supervision groups, and promotion of internal and external interdisciplinary collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Ingrisch
- Fachbereich Soziale Arbeit, Hochschule RheinMain, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Hendrik Berth
- Medizinische Fakultät Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Wolfram Schulze
- Fachbereich Sozialwissenschaften, Hochschule Koblenz, Koblenz, Germany
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Atkins B, Kindinger L, Mahindra MP, Moatti Z, Siassakos D. Stillbirth: prevention and supportive bereavement care. BMJ MEDICINE 2023; 2:e000262. [PMID: 37564829 PMCID: PMC10410959 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmed-2022-000262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Around half of the two million stillbirths occurring worldwide each year are preventable. This review compiles the most up-to-date evidence to inform stillbirth prevention. Many general maternal health interventions also reduce the risk of stillbirth, for example, antenatal care attendance. This review focuses on specific aspects of care: glucose metabolism, targeted aspirin prophylaxis, clotting and immune disorders, sleep positions, fetal movement monitoring, and preconception and interconception health. In the past few years, covid-19 infection during pregnancy has emerged as a risk factor for stillbirth, particularly among women who were not vaccinated. Alongside prevention, efforts to address stillbirth must include provision of high quality, supportive, and compassionate bereavement care to improve parents' wellbeing. A growing body of evidence suggests beneficial effects for parents who received supportive care and were offered choices such as mode of birth and the option to see and hold their baby. Staff need support to be able to care for parents effectively, yet, studies consistently highlight the scarcity of specific bereavement care training for healthcare providers. Action is urgently needed and is possible. Action must be taken with the evidence available now, in healthcare settings with high or low resources, to reduce stillbirths and improve training and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Atkins
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, London, UK
| | - Lindsay Kindinger
- King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women Perth, Perth, WA, Australia
- Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
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Abayneh M, Rent S, Ubuane PO, Carter BS, Deribessa SJ, Kassa BB, Tekleab AM, Kukora SK. Perinatal palliative care in sub-Saharan Africa: recommendations for practice, future research, and guideline development. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1217209. [PMID: 37435165 PMCID: PMC10331424 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1217209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest burden of global neonatal mortality (43%) and neonatal mortality rate (NMR): 27 deaths per 1,000 live births. The WHO recognizes palliative care (PC) as an integral, yet underutilized, component of perinatal care for pregnancies at risk of stillbirth or early neonatal death, and for neonates with severe prematurity, birth trauma or congenital anomalies. Despite bearing a disproportionate burden of neonatal mortality, many strategies to care for dying newborns and support their families employed in high-income countries (HICs) are not available in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Many institutions and professional societies in LMICs lack guidelines or recommendations to standardize care, and existing guidelines may have limited adherence due to lack of space, equipment, supplies, trained professionals, and high patient load. In this narrative review, we compare perinatal/neonatal PC in HICs and LMICs in sub-Saharan Africa to identify key areas for future, research-informed, interventions that might be tailored to the local sociocultural contexts and propose actionable recommendations for these resource-deprived environments that may support clinical care and inform future professional guideline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahlet Abayneh
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sharla Rent
- Duke Department of Pediatrics, Duke School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Peter Odion Ubuane
- Department of Pediatrics, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Brian S. Carter
- Division of Neonatology and Bioethics Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Medical Humanities and Bioethics, Universityof Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Solomie Jebessa Deribessa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Betelehem B. Kassa
- College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Atnafu Mekonnen Tekleab
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Stephanie K. Kukora
- Division of Neonatology and Bioethics Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Medical Humanities and Bioethics, Universityof Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States
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Adams M, Hartley J, Sanford N, Heazell AE, Iedema R, Bevan C, Booker M, Treadwell M, Sandall J. Strengthening open disclosure after incidents in maternity care: a realist synthesis of international research evidence. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:285. [PMID: 36973796 PMCID: PMC10041808 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09033-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Open Disclosure (OD) is open and timely communication about harmful events arising from health care with those affected. It is an entitlement of service-users and an aspect of their recovery, as well as an important dimension of service safety improvement. Recently, OD in maternity care in the English National Health Service has become a pressing public issue, with policymakers promoting multiple interventions to manage the financial and reputational costs of communication failures. There is limited research to understand how OD works and its effects in different contexts. METHODS Realist literature screening, data extraction, and retroductive theorisation involving two advisory stakeholder groups. Data relevant to families, clinicians, and services were mapped to theorise the relationships between contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes. From these maps, key aspects for successful OD were identified. RESULTS After realist quality appraisal, 38 documents were included in the synthesis (22 academic, 2 training guidance, and 14 policy report). 135 explanatory accounts were identified from the included documents (with n = 41 relevant to families; n = 37 relevant to staff; and n = 37 relevant to services). These were theorised as five key mechanism sets: (a) meaningful acknowledgement of harm, (b) opportunity for family involvement in reviews and investigations, (c) possibilities for families and staff to make sense of what happened, (d) specialist skills and psychological safety of clinicians, and (e) families and staff knowing that improvements are happening. Three key contextual factors were identified: (a) the configuration of the incident (how and when identified and classified as more or less severe); (b) national or state drivers, such as polices, regulations, and schemes, designed to promote OD; and (c) the organisational context within which these these drivers are recieived and negotiated. CONCLUSIONS This is the first review to theorise how OD works, for whom, in what circumstances, and why. We identify and examine from the secondary data the five key mechanisms for successful OD and the three contextual factors that influence this. The next study stage will use interview and ethnographic data to test, deepen, or overturn our five hypothesised programme theories to explain what is required to strengthen OD in maternity services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Adams
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK.
| | - Julie Hartley
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Natalie Sanford
- The Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery, and Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Rick Iedema
- School of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Bevan
- The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity (SANDS), London, UK
| | | | | | - Jane Sandall
- Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
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Qian J, Chen S, Jevitt C, Sun S, Wang M, Yu X. Experiences of obstetric nurses and midwives receiving a perinatal bereavement care training programme: A qualitative study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1122472. [PMID: 37007785 PMCID: PMC10056219 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1122472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AimTo explore obstetric nurses and midwifery professionals’ experiences with the Perinatal Bereavement Care Training Programme (PBCTP) after implementation.DesignA qualitative descriptive design was used.MethodThis qualitative study was conducted at a tertiary level maternity hospital in China. The PBCTP was implemented at Women’s Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University from March to May 2022. A total of 127 nurses and 44 midwives were invited to participate in the training. Obstetric nurses and midwives studied a 5-module training programme comprised of eight online theoretical courses and submitted a reflective journal after each session. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 obstetric nurses and four midwives from May to July 2022 as a post-intervention evaluation. Thematic analysis was used in data analysis.FindingsA total of 16 participants in this study ranged in age from 23 to 40 years [mean age (SD), 30 (4) years]. Six main themes within participants’ experiences of PBCTP intervention were identified: participants’ aims of undertaking the training; personal growth and practice changes after training; the most valuable training content; suggestions for training improvement; directions for practice improvement; influencing factors of practice optimization.ConclusionNursing and midwifery professionals described the PBCTP as satisfying their learning and skills enhancement needs and supporting positive changes in their care providing for bereaved families. The optimized training programme should be widely applied in the future. More efforts from the hospitals, managers, obstetric nurses, and midwives are needed to jointly contribute to forming a uniform care pathway and promoting a supportive perinatal bereavement care practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Qian
- Faculty of Nursing, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Division of Midwifery, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shuyi Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cecilia Jevitt
- Division of Midwifery, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shiwen Sun
- Department of Obstetrics, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Man Wang
- Faculty of Nursing, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyan Yu,
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Buchholtz S, Fangmann L, Siedentopf N, Bührer C, Garten L. Perinatal Palliative Care: Additional Costs of an Interprofessional Service and Outcome of Pregnancies in a Cohort of 115 Referrals. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:393-401. [PMID: 36251802 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: An increasing number of life-limiting conditions (LLCs) is diagnosed prenatally, presenting providers with the ability to present perinatal palliative care (PnPC) services as an option. Objective: To (1) determine the profile characteristics of patients referred for prenatal palliative care counseling to Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; (2) evaluate pregnancy outcome; and (3) analyze the additional human resources per family required to provide specialized PnPC. Methods: Retrospective chart review of pregnant women and infants with potentially LLCs referred for prenatal palliative care counseling between 2016 and 2020. Results: A total of 115 women were referred for prenatal palliative care counseling. Most cases (57.6%) comprised trisomy 13 or 18 (n = 36) and complex congenital conditions (n = 32). Other life-limiting diagnoses included renal agenesis/severe dysplasia (n = 19), congenital heart diseases (n = 18), neurological anomalies (n = 8), and others (n = 5). In 72.0% of cases (n = 85) parents decided to continue pregnancy and plan for palliative birth. Fifty deliveries resulted in a liveborn infant: 33 of these died in the delivery room, 9 neonates died after admission to rooming-in on one of our neonatal wards, and 8 were discharged home or to a hospice. Total human resources (median, range) provided were 563 (0-2940) minutes for psychosocial and 300 (0-720) minutes for medical specialized PnPC per referral. Conclusions: Our data confirm previously observed characteristics of diagnoses, referrals, and outcomes. The provision of specialized and interprofessional PnPC services accounted for ∼14 hours per case of additional human resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Buchholtz
- Department of Neonatology, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Fangmann
- Department of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Siedentopf
- Department of Obstetrics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Bührer
- Department of Neonatology, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Garten
- Department of Neonatology, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Martins MV, Valente VA, Silva AD, Ramalho C, Costa ME. "Death is a sensitive topic when you are surrounded by life": Nurses experiences with pregnancy loss. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2023; 35:100817. [PMID: 36764051 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2023.100817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although there is increasing evidence on the psychosocial adjustment and experiencing pregnancy loss from the patient's perspective, few studies have investigated the nurses' experience perceptions. This study aimed to understand the experience of nurses involved in pregnancy loss care based on the self-fulfillment model of communication. METHODS A qualitative approach was developed through semi-structured interviews to 16 nurses working in an Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Department of a local hospital. Based on grounded theory approach, data was analyzed with NVivo 12 software. RESULTS The analysis revealed three major themes and 11 sub-themes: i) stressful work conditions, comprising care management and institutional practices; ii) personal characteristics, including discomfort with loss, communication skills, work experience and empathy; and iii) the patient's journey, containing the partner's ambiguous role, timing, respect for the patient's individuality, viewing the fetus and facilitating grief rituals. CONCLUSION Nurses daily involved in providing care to patients suffering pregnancy loses have a demanding challenge in trying to assure that patients get the appropriate and better care and ensuring they keep their level of engagement in their profession. Interventions to improve communications skills with patients and with other health professionals are needed to enhance professional realization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana V Martins
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences - University of Porto, Portugal; Centre for Psychology at University of Porto, Portugal.
| | - Vanessa A Valente
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences - University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana D Silva
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences - University of Porto, Portugal; Centre for Psychology at University of Porto, Portugal; Universidade de Brasília, Departamento de Psicologia Clínica, Brasil
| | - Carla Ramalho
- Universidade do Porto, Faculdade de Medicina, Portugal; I3S- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Portugal; Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, EPE, Portugal
| | - Maria E Costa
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences - University of Porto, Portugal; Centre for Psychology at University of Porto, Portugal
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Jones EE, Crawley R, Brierley-Jones L, Kenny C. Continuing bonds following stillbirth: protective and risk factors associated with parental bereavement adaptation. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2023; 41:93-109. [PMID: 34510967 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2021.1972951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate any association between expressions of parents' continuing bond with their stillborn baby and bereavement adaptation. BACKGROUND Continuing bonds theory suggests that bereaved parents adapt to the loss of their child by sharing and transforming mental representations of the child, allowing them to be integrated into parents' everyday lives. Little is known about the mental health benefits of expressing continuing bonds following stillbirth. This study examined any association between aspects of parents' relationship with their stillborn baby, social support for the relationship, and bereavement adaptation. METHODS Cross-sectional questionnaire study. Parents of stillborn babies (N=170) completed an online questionnaire examining engagement in continuing bonds expressions; characteristics of parents' relationship with their stillborn baby and their experience of sharing it; social support, and meaning-making. Measures of mental health were included to quantify bereavement adaptation. RESULTS Regression analyses showed that time since death, meaning-making, engaging with nature, and legacy building are positively linked to bereavement adaptation. Risk factors included inadequate social support for the relationship, a greater desire to share it more freely, an increased sense of integration with baby, and societal pressure to move on. CONCLUSION Key aspects of parents' ongoing relationship with their stillborn baby and the social context are related to bereavement adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E Jones
- School of Psychology, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK
| | | | | | - Catherine Kenny
- School of Psychology, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK
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Mills TA, Ayebare E, Mweteise J, Nabisere A, Mukhwana R, Nendela A, Omoni G, Wakasiaka S, Lavender T. 'There is trauma all round': A qualitative study of health workers' experiences of caring for parents after stillbirth in Kenya and Uganda. Women Birth 2023; 36:56-62. [PMID: 35305917 PMCID: PMC9880557 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stillbirth is a traumatic life-event for parents. Compassionate care from health workers supports grief and adjustment, alleviating psychological distress and minimising serious adverse health and social consequences. Bereavement support in facilities in LMICs, including in sub-Saharan Africa, often fails to meet parents' needs. However, very few studies have explored health worker's experiences in these settings. AIM To explore the lived experiences of midwives, doctors and others, caring for women after stillbirth in Kenya and Uganda. METHODS Qualitative, guided by Heideggerian phenomenology. Sixty-one health workers, including nurse-midwives (N = 37), midwives (N = 12) and doctors (N = 10), working in five facilities in Kenya and Uganda, were interviewed. Data were analysed following Van Manen's reflexive approach. RESULTS Three main themes summarised participants' experiences: 'In the mud and you learn to swim in it' reflected a perceived of lack of preparation; skills were gained through experience and often without adequate support. The emotional and psychological impacts including sadness, frustration, guilt and shame were summarised in 'It's bad, it's a sad experience'. Deficiencies in organisational culture and support, which entrenched blame, fear and negative behaviours were encapsulated in Nobody asks 'how are you doing?'. CONCLUSION Health workers in Kenya and Uganda were deeply sensitive to the impacts of stillbirth for women and families, and often profoundly and personally affected. Care and psychological support were acknowledged as often inadequate. Interventions to support improved bereavement care in sub-Saharan Africa need to target increasing health worker knowledge and awareness and also embed supportive organisational cultures and processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A. Mills
- Centre for Childbirth, Women’s and Newborn Health, Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK,Correspondence to: Centre for Childbirth, Women’s and Newborn Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.
| | - Elizabeth Ayebare
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jonan Mweteise
- Lugina Africa Midwives’ Research Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Allen Nabisere
- Lugina Africa Midwives’ Research Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Anne Nendela
- Lugina Africa Midwives’ Research Network, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Grace Omoni
- School of Nursing Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sabina Wakasiaka
- School of Nursing Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tina Lavender
- Centre for Childbirth, Women’s and Newborn Health, Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Actis Danna V, Lavender T, Laisser R, Chimwaza A, Chisuse I, Kasengele CT, Kimaro D, Kuzenza FD, Lyangenda K, Mwamadi M, Shayo H, Tuwele K, Wakasiaka S, Bedwell C. Exploring the impact of healthcare workers communication with women who have experienced stillbirth in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia. A grounded theory study. Women Birth 2023; 36:e25-e35. [PMID: 35440427 PMCID: PMC9880556 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communication and interaction with healthcare workers at the time of stillbirth remain in parents' long-term memories and impact on emotional and psychological well-being. Cultural attitudes and norms influence how stillbirth is acknowledged and discussed in society. There is limited evidence on how women from sub-Saharan Africa became aware of the death of their babies. This research explored how women perceived the approach adopted by healthcare workers when the news of their stillbirth was disclosed to them. METHODS Grounded theory study. Women (n = 33) who had birthed a stillborn baby in the preceding 12 months were purposively sampled and participated in in-depth interviews (9 in Zambia, 16 in Tanzania and 8 in Malawi). Informed consent was gained from all participants. Data were analysed via a coding process using constant comparative analysis. FINDINGS Women sacrificed individualized and personal grieving strategies to conform and behave according to what was expected within their community. An overarching theme of cultural conformity overrides personal grief incorporated four sub-themes: perceiving something was wrong, the unexpected outcome, experience contrasting emotions, bonding with the baby. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Most participants embarked on a negative 'emotion work' to adapt and suppress emotions and grief due to cultural expectations. Inability to voice the trauma of losing a baby may lead to perinatal mental health issues and needs addressing. Maternity healthcare workers should encourage women to express their feelings and grief. Appropriate training in perinatal bereavement care including good communication, appropriate attitudes and provision of meaningful information to grieving women is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Actis Danna
- Centre for Childbirth, Women’s and Newborn Health, Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK,Correspondence to: Centre for Childbirth, Women’s and Newborn Health, Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA UK.
| | - Tina Lavender
- Centre for Childbirth, Women’s and Newborn Health, Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK
| | - Rose Laisser
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Debora Kimaro
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Flora D. Kuzenza
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | - Milcah Mwamadi
- NIHR Global Health Group Community Engagement and Involvement (CEI) Group, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Happiness Shayo
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Khuzuet Tuwele
- University Teaching Hospital, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sabina Wakasiaka
- College of Health Science, School of Nursing, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Carol Bedwell
- Centre for Childbirth, Women’s and Newborn Health, Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK
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Delgado L, Cobo J, Giménez C, Fucho-Rius GF, Sammut S, Martí L, Lesmes C, Puig S, Obregón N, Canet Y, Palao DJ. Initial Impact of Perinatal Loss on Mothers and Their Partners. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1304. [PMID: 36674059 PMCID: PMC9858910 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Perinatal Loss affects one in ten women worldwide. It is known to have a deep impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing of the mother. Moreover, there is a lack of information in regard to gender differences. The role of culture, environment, personal characteristics, and gender is yet to be determined in most reports; (2) Objective and Methods: Our aim is to study the initial impact of perinatal losses in an unselected sample of couples, focusing on gender differences. We conducted a longitudinal prospective study with 29 mothers and 17 fathers. Upon discharge from the hospital, they filled out the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), among others. After one-month post-loss, they performed the EPDS and the Short Version of the Perinatal Grief Scale. We used descriptive statistics for the sample and non-parametric tests for the comparison of gender; (3) Results: We found no gender differences in initial depressive symptoms, nor in depressive symptoms, perinatal grief symptoms, or grief level (total scores or complicated grief) one month after the loss; (4) Conclusions: we need to better understand the psychological evolution of couples in cases of perinatal loss without falling into preconceived ideas about the influence of gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Delgado
- Mental Health Department, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Jesus Cobo
- Mental Health Department, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), CERCA, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Cristina Giménez
- Mental Health Department, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Genís Felip Fucho-Rius
- Mental Health Department, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Stephanie Sammut
- Perinatal Mental Health Program, Cerdanyola-Ripollet Outpatient Department, Sant Joan de Dèu Serveis de Salut Mental, 08291 Ripollet, Spain
| | - Laia Martí
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Cristina Lesmes
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Salut Puig
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Noemí Obregón
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
| | - Yolanda Canet
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, Hospital Universitari Parc Taulí, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Diego J. Palao
- Mental Health Department, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí (I3PT), CERCA, 08208 Sabadell, Spain
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Chichester M, Tepner L, Côté-Arsenault D. Nursing Care of Childbearing Families After Previous Perinatal Loss. Nurs Womens Health 2022; 26:379-388. [PMID: 36065093 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2022.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nurses who care for childbearing families facilitate the family's adaptation to the arrival of a newborn through assessment of physical, emotional, and psychological needs. After experiencing a perinatal loss, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death, a woman's perception of pregnancy and of her sense of control in becoming a mother can include fear and anxiety, and she may have significantly different needs than a pregnant woman who has not experienced perinatal loss. In this article, we provide evidence-based information and recommendations for maternal-child nurses caring for childbearing families who are preparing to welcome a new baby (sometimes called a "rainbow baby") after a previous perinatal loss.
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Qian J, Cai W, Sun S, Wang M, Yu X. Influencing factors of perinatal bereavement care confidence in nurses and midwives: A cross-sectional study. NURSE EDUCATION TODAY 2022; 117:105479. [PMID: 35863087 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most nurses and midwives are not prepared to provide bereavement care. The conflict between the need for high-quality care of bereaved parents and the lack of confidence in providing perinatal bereavement care among nursing staff is becoming increasingly prominent in China. OBJECTIVE To describe the current situation and identify influencing factors of perinatal bereavement care confidence (PBCC) among nurses and midwives in China. METHODS This descriptive and cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2021. A convenience sample was created by recruiting 571 nurses and midwives in 11 hospitals in Zhejiang Province. Collected the data of PBCC, secondary traumatic stress (STS) and emotional exhaustion (EE) in this study. RESULTS The average score of the PBCC was 67.83 ± 10.78. Average levels of STS were (23.32 ± 7.39) and EE (17.87 ± 8.62). PBCC was found to be most often associated with self-awareness, organisational support and training in perinatal bereavement care. CONCLUSIONS Managers should take measures to improve PBCC and optimise perinatal bereavement care practice from the perspective of enhancing self-awareness of nursing staff, strengthening organisational support and providing training in perinatal bereavement care. The mental health of nursing professionals in the context of perinatal bereavement care needs to be emphasised. Nursing managers should make clear policies and establish a communication platform for nursing staff. Professional training should be conducted in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Qian
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, NO. 268 Kaixuan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1st Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
| | - Wenyu Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, No. 12, Middle Urumqi Road, Jingan District, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiwen Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1st Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China.
| | - Man Wang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, NO. 268 Kaixuan Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1st Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1st Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China.
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von Rieben MA, Boyd L, Sheen J. Care in the time of COVID: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the impact of COVID-19 control measures on post-partum mothers’ experiences of pregnancy, birth and the health system. Front Psychol 2022; 13:986472. [PMID: 36211889 PMCID: PMC9537098 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.986472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundFindings suggest pandemic control measures have modified maternal health practices, compromising the quality of care provided to new and expectant mothers and interfering with their birthing experiences. For this reason, this study explored the lived experiences of post-partum Victorian mothers during the pandemic as well as the potential influence of control measures over their perceptions regarding the health system.MethodsThis study used a qualitative approach. Recruitment was conducted between May and June 2021, using both the Australian Breastfeeding Association’s social media pages and snowball recruitment. Interviews were semi-structured using open-ended questions relating to key themes. Seven Victorian post-partum mothers were identified and their transcripts analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.ResultsMothers described how unexpected changes to maternal care exacerbated feelings of uncertainty regarding pregnancy and birth. Mothers also differentiated between impacts by the health system and the role healthcare professionals played in moderating these effects. Whilst visitor restrictions provided some benefit, restrictions to familial and social support left many of the mothers feeling alone during their pregnancy and interfered with their immediate post-partum experience.ConclusionThis study illustrates the importance of evidence-based practice in maternal care and provides insights for both health professionals and policy analysts in developing new or modifying existing guidelines that better balance the needs of expectant and post-partum mothers with pandemic control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhayl A. von Rieben
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Mikhayl A. von Rieben,
| | - Leanne Boyd
- Monash University, Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jade Sheen
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
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Loughnan SA, Gautam R, Silverio SA, Boyle FM, Cassidy J, Ellwood D, Homer C, Horey D, Leisher SH, de Montigny F, Murphy M, O'Donoghue K, Quigley P, Ravaldi C, Sandall J, Storey C, Vannacci A, Wilson AN, Flenady V. Multicountry study protocol of COCOON: COntinuing Care in COVID-19 Outbreak global survey of New, expectant, and bereaved parent experiences. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061550. [PMID: 36691138 PMCID: PMC9445233 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the provision of healthcare and efficiency of healthcare systems and is likely to have profound implications for pregnant and postpartum women and their families including those who experience the tragedy of stillbirth or neonatal death. This study aims to understand the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 and the experiences of parents who have accessed maternity, neonatal and bereavement care services during this time. METHODS AND ANALYSIS An international, cross-sectional, online and/or telephone-based/face-to-face survey is being administered across 15 countries and available in 11 languages. New, expectant and bereaved parents during the COVID-19 pandemic will be recruited. Validated psychometric scales will be used to measure psychosocial well-being. Data will be analysed descriptively and by assessing multivariable associations of the outcomes with explanatory factors. In seven of these countries, bereaved parents will be recruited to a nested, qualitative interview study. The data will be analysed using a grounded theory analysis (for each country) and thematic framework analysis (for intercountry comparison) to gain further insights into their experiences. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval for the multicountry online survey, COCOON, has been granted by the Mater Misericordiae Human Research Ethics Committee in Australia (reference number: AM/MML/63526). Ethics approval for the nested qualitative interview study, PUDDLES, has been granted by the King's College London Biomedical & Health Sciences, Dentistry, Medicine and Natural & Mathematical Sciences Research Ethics Subcommittee (reference number: HR-19/20-19455) in the UK. Local ethics committee approvals were granted in participating countries where required. Results of the study will be published in international peer-reviewed journals and through parent support organisations. Findings will contribute to our understanding of delivering maternity care services, particularly bereavement care, in high-income, lower middle-income and low-income countries during this or future health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan A Loughnan
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rupesh Gautam
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sergio A Silverio
- Department of Women & Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Frances M Boyle
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - David Ellwood
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Caroline Homer
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dell Horey
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Francine de Montigny
- Département des Sciences Infirmières, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
| | - Margaret Murphy
- Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork-National University of Ireland, Cork, Ireland
| | - Keelin O'Donoghue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cork University Maternity Hospital, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paula Quigley
- International Stillbirth Alliance, Millburn, New Jersey, USA
- DAI Global Health, London, UK
| | - Claudia Ravaldi
- CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Prato, Italy
- PeaRL - Perinatal Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Jane Sandall
- Department of Women & Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Claire Storey
- International Stillbirth Alliance, Millburn, New Jersey, USA
| | - Alfredo Vannacci
- CiaoLapo Foundation for Perinatal Health, Prato, Italy
- PeaRL - Perinatal Research Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Alyce N Wilson
- Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vicki Flenady
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Ndwiga C, Warren CE, Okondo C, Abuya T, Sripad P. Experience of care of hospitalized newborns and young children and their parents: A scoping review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272912. [PMID: 36037213 PMCID: PMC9423633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several global initiatives put parent involvement at the forefront of enabling children's well-being and development and to promote quality of care for newborns and hospitalized young children aged 0-24 months. Scanty evidence on mistreatment such as delays or neglect and poor pain management among newborns exists, with even less exploring the experience of their parents and their hospitalized young children. To address this gap, authors reviewed research on experience of care for hospitalized young children and their parents, and potential interventions that may promote positive experience of care. METHODS A scoping review of English language articles, guidelines, and reports that addressed the experiences of care for newborns and sick young children 0-24 months in health facilities was conducted. Multiple databases: PubMed, PROSPERO, COCHRANE Library and Google Scholar were included and yielded 7,784 articles. Documents published between 2009 and November 2020, in English and with evidence on interventions that addressed family involvement and partnership in care for their sick children were included. RESULTS The scoping review includes 68 documents across 31 countries after exclusion. Mistreatment of newborns comprises physical abuse, verbal abuse, stigma and discrimination, failure to meet professional standards, poor rapport between providers and patients, poor legal accountability, and poor bereavement and posthumous care. No literature was identified describing mistreatment of hospitalized children aged 60 days- 24 months. Key drivers of mistreatment include under-resourced health systems and poor provider attitudes. Positive experience of care was reported in contexts of good parent-provider communication. Three possible interventions on positive experience of care for hospitalized young children (0-24 months) emerged: 1) nurturing care; 2) family centered care and 3) provider and parental engagement. Communication and counseling, effective provider-parental engagement, and supportive work environments were associated with reduced anxiety and stress for parents and hospitalized young children. Few interventions focused on addressing providers' underlying attitudes and biases that influence provider behaviors, and how they affect engaging with parents. CONCLUSION Limited evidence on manifestations of mistreatment, lack of respectful care, drivers of poor experience and interventions that may mitigate poor experience of care for hospitalized young children 0-24 months especially in low resource settings exists. Design and testing appropriate models that enhance socio-behavioral dimensions of care experience and promote provider-family engagement in hospitals are required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pooja Sripad
- Population Council, Washington, DC, United States of America
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42
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Cassidy PR. Beyond emotional support: predictors of satisfaction and perceived care quality following the death of a baby during pregnancy. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:832-843. [PMID: 35468664 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2021-0489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate which objective (actions/interventions) and subjective (perceptions of care quality) outcomes of care following stillbirth or termination of pregnancy predict perceived care quality. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive study using an anonymous online survey. The population was women who had experienced a stillbirth or termination of pregnancy from ≥16 weeks of gestation, in the Spanish health system. Multiple sequential regression analysis was used to identify predictors of perceived care quality (satisfaction, willingness to recommend, competence and ability to provide loss-focused care). RESULTS Results from 610 women were analysed. A significant regression equation (p<0.001) was found in each of the objective only and objective-subjective models. In the case of overall care (satisfaction-recommend composite), 72.0% of variance (adj. R2) was explained. In general, subjective evaluations of care are more potent predictors of perceived care quality than objective care interventions (e.g. autopsy performed). Feeling free to 'express emotions', 'teamwork between doctors and nurses/midwives', and 'being well-informed of all steps and procedures' were the three strongest predictors, followed by perception of 'medical negligence'. Information provision and loss-focused interventions had the weakest influence, except in the specific 'loss-focused' model. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that the 'atmosphere' of care is a transversal dimension related to the context of loss and trauma and has the single greatest influence on perceptions of care quality. It is necessary to use a specific 'loss-focused' care variable to adequately capture perceptions of the quality of bereavement care and a custom scale to measure the influence of care interventions on perceived quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Richard Cassidy
- Complutense University of Madrid, Umamanita (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity), Carrer Major 3, 17133, Girona, Spain
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Pekkola M, Tikkanen M, Loukovaara M, Paavonen J, Stefanovic V. Stillbirth aftercare in a tertiary obstetric center - parents' experiences. J Perinat Med 2022; 50:844-853. [PMID: 35700452 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2022-0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to assess parents' satisfaction with received care and support when experiencing stillbirth. METHODS This was a questionnaire survey conducted at Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland during 2016-2020. Separate questionnaires were sent to mothers and partners who had experienced an antepartum singleton stillbirth at or after 22 gestational weeks during 2016-2019. The questionnaire covered five major topics: stillbirth diagnosis, delivery, information on postmortem examinations, aftercare at the ward, and follow-up appointment. RESULTS One hundred nineteen letters were sent and 57 (47.9%) of the mothers and 46 (38.7%) of their partners responded. Both mothers and their partners felt well supported during delivery. They were also satisfied with the time holding their newborn. Partners reported even higher satisfaction in this aspect with a significant within-dyad difference (p=0.049). Parents were generally pleased with the support at the ward. However, both groups were less satisfied with social worker counseling (mothers 53.7%, partners 61.0%). The majority felt that the follow-up visit was helpful. Nonetheless, a remarkable proportion felt that the follow-up visit increased their anxiousness (25.9%, 14.0%, p=0.018). Partners rated their mood higher than mothers (p=0.001). Open feedback revealed that the support received after discharge from hospital was often insufficient. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that the parents who experience stillbirth in our institution receive mostly adequate care and support during their hospital stay. However, there is room for further training of healthcare professionals and other professionals contributing in stillbirth aftercare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pekkola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna Tikkanen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Loukovaara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jorma Paavonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vedran Stefanovic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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The Impact of Perinatal Loss Nursing Simulation among Undergraduate Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148569. [PMID: 35886421 PMCID: PMC9322489 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Providing careful and proper care for women experiencing perinatal loss is essential. Nurses and nursing students must be sufficiently prepared to provide adequate care. Caring for women who experienced a perinatal loss requires special education and instruction, but little is provided to nursing students. This study aimed to investigate the impact of simulation education directed toward caring for women with perinatal loss. A single-group pretest posttest study design was adopted. A convenience sample of 77 undergraduate students participated in the study. The nursing students’ nursing anxiety, confidence for clinical decision-making, communication competence, and simulative effectiveness were measured before and after the simulation. In addition, we asked students open-ended questions. No significant differences were noted in variables. However, the rank order of simulation effectiveness and result of open-ended questions had some noteworthy implications. Although there was no significant effect in results, simulation education about the perinatal loss was helpful for nursing students. Nursing students reflected on perinatal loss situation and learned that they should provide empathetical therapeutic communication based on needs of women with perinatal loss. To assure its effectiveness and to include optimal program content, a need exists to measure student reflection before and after the simulation. To fully guide and support women and their families with perinatal loss, providing standardized care is needed and in order to do that, standard for educational program regarding perinatal loss needs to be developed and delivered to nursing students as well as nurses.
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Risk of recurrent stillbirth and neonatal mortality: mother-specific random effects analysis using longitudinal panel data from Indonesia (2000 - 2014). BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:524. [PMID: 35764969 PMCID: PMC9241301 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04819-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite significant government investments to improve birth outcomes in low and middle-income countries over the past several decades, stillbirth and neonatal mortality continue to be persistent public health problems. While they are different outcomes, there is little evidence regarding their shared and unique population-level risk factors over a mother’s reproductive lifespan. Data gaps and measurement challenges have left several areas in this field unexplored, especially assessing the risk of stillbirth or neonatal mortality over successive pregnancies to the same woman. This study aimed to assess the risk of stillbirth and neonatal mortality in Indonesia during 2000–2014, using maternal birth histories from the Indonesia Family Life Survey panel data. Methods Data from three panels were combined to create right-censored birth histories. There were 5,002 unique multiparous mothers with at least two singleton births in the sample. They reported 12,761 total births and 12,507 live births. Random effects (RE) models, which address the dependency of variance in births to the same mother, were fitted assuming births to the same mother shared unobserved risk factors unique to the mother. Results The main finding was that there having had a stillbirth increased the odds of another stillbirth nearly seven-fold and that of subsequent neonatal mortality by over two-fold. Having had a neonatal death was not associated with a future neonatal death. Mothers who were not educated and nullipara were much more likely to experience a neonatal death while mothers who had a prior neonatal death had no risk of another neonatal death due to unmeasured factors unique to the mother. Conclusions The results suggest that for stillbirths, maternal heterogeneity, as explained by a prior stillbirth, could capture underlying pathology while the relationship between observed risk factors and neonatal mortality could be much more dependent on context. Establishing previous adverse outcomes such as neonatal deaths and stillbirth could help identify high-risk pregnancies during prenatal care, inform interventions, and improve health policy.
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Arach AAO, Kiguli J, Nankabirwa V, Nakasujja N, Mukunya D, Musaba MW, Napyo A, Tumwine JK, Ndeezi G, Rujumba J. "Your heart keeps bleeding": lived experiences of parents with a perinatal death in Northern Uganda. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:491. [PMID: 35705910 PMCID: PMC9202140 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04788-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Worldwide, two million babies are stillborn and 1.8 million babies die before completing seven days of life. Approximately 4% of pregnant women in Uganda experience perinatal death. The response following a perinatal death tends to be socio-culturally constructed. Investigating the unique personal experiences of parents from a low-income setting with unique cultural beliefs and practices is crucial for the design and implementation of appropriate interventions. Objective To describe the lived experiences of parents following perinatal death in Lira district, Northern Uganda. Methods A qualitative study was carried out drawing on the tenets of descriptive phenomenology. We conducted 32 in-depth interviews in Lira district, Northern Uganda between August 2019 and September 2020 with 18 women and 14 men who had experienced a stillbirth or an early neonatal death within the preceding 2 years. Participants were selected from different families and interviewed. A local IRB approved the study. All in-depth interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated, and data were analysed using a content thematic approach. Key findings were discussed based on Worden’s Four Tasks of Mourning theory. Results The themes that emerged from the analyses included reaction to the perinatal loss and suggestions for support. The participants’ immediate reactions were pain, confusion, and feelings of guilt which were aggravated by the unsupportive behaviour of health care providers. Men cumulatively lost financial resources in addition to facing multiple stressful roles. Delayed reactions such as pain and worries were triggered by the sight of similar-age-babies, subsequent pregnancy losses, and marital challenges. Participants recommended emotional support and management of postnatal complications for parents faced with perinatal loss. Conclusion Losing a baby during the perinatal period in a resource-constrained setting negatively affected both gender. In addition, men suffered the loss of financial resources and the burden of multiple stressful roles. Acknowledging the pain and offering support to the grieving parents reinforce their coping with a perinatal loss. In addition to family and community members, health care providers need to provide emotional support and postnatal care to parents who experience perinatal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Agnes Ojok Arach
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lira University, Lira, Uganda. .,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Juliet Kiguli
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Victoria Nankabirwa
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.,Centre for Intervention Science and Maternal Child Health (CISMAC), Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Noeline Nakasujja
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Mukunya
- Department of Community and Public Health, Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Milton W Musaba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Agnes Napyo
- Department of Community and Public Health, Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, Mbale, Uganda
| | - James K Tumwine
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Grace Ndeezi
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Rujumba
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Loughnan SA, Boyle FM, Ellwood D, Crocker S, Lancaster A, Astell C, Dean J, Horey D, Callander E, Jackson C, Shand A, Flenady V. Living with Loss: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating an internet-based perinatal bereavement program for parents following stillbirth and neonatal death. Trials 2022; 23:464. [PMID: 35668502 PMCID: PMC9167910 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06363-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stillbirth and neonatal death are devastating pregnancy outcomes with long-lasting psychosocial consequences for parents and families, and wide-ranging economic impacts on health systems and society. It is essential that parents and families have access to appropriate support, yet services are often limited. Internet-based programs may provide another option of psychosocial support for parents following the death of a baby. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of a self-guided internet-based perinatal bereavement support program "Living with Loss" (LWL) in reducing psychological distress and improving the wellbeing of parents following stillbirth or neonatal death. METHODS This trial is a two-arm parallel group randomized controlled trial comparing the intervention arm (LWL) with a care as usual control arm (CAU). We anticipate recruiting 150 women and men across Australia who have experienced a stillbirth or neonatal death in the past 2 years. Participants randomized to the LWL group will receive the six-module internet-based program over 8 weeks including automated email notifications and reminders. Baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up assessments will be conducted to assess primary and secondary outcomes for both arms. The primary outcome will be the change in Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) scores from baseline to 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include perinatal grief, anxiety, depression, quality of life, program satisfaction and acceptability, and cost-effectiveness. Analysis will use intention-to-treat linear mixed models to examine psychological distress symptom scores at 3-month follow-up. Subgroup analyses by severity of symptoms at baseline will be undertaken. DISCUSSION The LWL program aims to provide an evidence-based accessible and flexible support option for bereaved parents following stillbirth or neonatal death. This may be particularly useful for parents and healthcare professionals residing in rural regions where services and supports are limited. This RCT seeks to provide evidence of the efficacy, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of the LWL program and contribute to our understanding of the role digital services may play in addressing the gap in the availability of specific bereavement support resources for parents following the death of a baby, particularly for men. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12621000631808 . Registered prospectively on 27 May 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan A Loughnan
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, Level 3 Aubigny Place, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Frances M Boyle
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, Level 3 Aubigny Place, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, 80 Meiers Rd, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| | - David Ellwood
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, Level 3 Aubigny Place, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Medicine, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.,Gold Coast University Hospital, 1 Hospital Drive, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Sara Crocker
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, Level 3 Aubigny Place, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ann Lancaster
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, Level 3 Aubigny Place, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Chrissie Astell
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, Level 3 Aubigny Place, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Julie Dean
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, Level 3 Aubigny Place, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, 80 Meiers Rd, Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia
| | - Dell Horey
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, Level 3 Aubigny Place, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,La Trobe University, Plenty Rd &, Kingsbury Dr, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Emily Callander
- Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Antonia Shand
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Vicki Flenady
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth, Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, Raymond Terrace, Level 3 Aubigny Place, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Qian J, Wang W, Sun S, Wu M, Liu L, Sun Y, Yu X. Exploring interactions between women who have experienced pregnancy loss and obstetric nursing staff: a descriptive qualitative study in China. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:450. [PMID: 35637436 PMCID: PMC9153172 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04787-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contradictory interactions between bereaved women who have experienced pregnancy loss and obstetric nursing staff are becoming increasingly prominent. The aim of the present study was to gain an understanding of how women who have experienced pregnancy loss and obstetric nursing staff perceive their interactions, what influencing factors impacted their experiences. METHODS A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted in a delivery room and six maternity wards of a tertiary hospital. Semi-structured interviews were performed with six nurses, 13 midwives and seven women who experienced pregnancy loss to collect rich information about how they make sense of their interactions. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse the data. RESULTS Five overarching themes were identified: (1) interaction characteristics, (2) interactive contradiction, (3) influencing factors of the interaction, (4) training needs and (5) suggestions for benign interactions. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare providers should be instructed in adopting a respectful and sympathetic attitude in communication, strengthening information support and offering patient-centred care for benign interactions. Ignoring women's needs and using disrespectful words should be avoided. Training for preparing nurses and midwives in perinatal bereavement care and addressing heavy emotional burden is necessary. Additional efforts are needed to improve medical services and to facilitate benign interactions in induced abortion care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Qian
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, NO. 268 Kaixuan Road, Hanghzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weihong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Ninghai Maternal and Child Health Hospital, NO. 365 Xinghai Road, Ningbo, 315600, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shiwen Sun
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1st Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mengwei Wu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, NO. 268 Kaixuan Road, Hanghzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, NO. 268 Kaixuan Road, Hanghzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaping Sun
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, NO. 268 Kaixuan Road, Hanghzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 1st Xueshi Road, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Qian J, Sun S, Wang M, Yu X. Nonpharmacological pain management interventions in medical and surgical abortion: A scoping review. Int J Nurs Pract 2022; 29:e13056. [PMID: 35373419 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.13056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The study aimed to present a broad overview of the research conducted and to synthesize evidence of the utility of nonpharmacological interventions for pain management in medical and surgical abortions. BACKGROUND High-quality care for medical and surgical abortion requires pain to be managed effectively. However, women reported low satisfaction with pain management in abortion care. DESIGN A scoping review design was employed. DATA SOURCES No date limit was set. PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest and Scopus were searched in April 2021. REVIEW METHODS Arksey and O'Malley's framework was used. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analysis extension-Scoping Reviews was followed. RESULTS Fifteen studies were included. The results revealed that support interventions, music therapy, acupoint stimulation and hypnotic analgesia were nonpharmacological interventions used to decrease abortion pain. CONCLUSIONS Clinical nurses, nurse managers and policymakers should attach full importance to the pain management in abortion and may use the study findings to guide the pain management practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Qian
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou China
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Shiwen Sun
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Man Wang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou China
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Xiaoyan Yu
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
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Atkins B, Blencowe H, Boyle FM, Sacks E, Horey D, Flenady V. Is care of stillborn babies and their parents respectful? Results from an international online survey. BJOG 2022; 129:1731-1739. [PMID: 35289061 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify parents' experiences of respectful care around stillbirth globally. DESIGN Multi-country, online, cross-sectional survey. SETTING AND POPULATION Self-identified bereaved parents (n = 3769) of stillborn babies from 44 high- and middle-income countries. METHODS Parents' perspectives of seven aspects of care quality, factors associated with respectful care and seven bereavement care practices were compared across geographical regions using descriptive statistics. Respectful care was compared between country-income groups using multivariable logistic regression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported experience of care around the time of stillbirth. RESULTS A quarter (25.4%) of 3769 respondents reported disrespectful care after stillbirth and 23.5% reported disrespectful care of their baby. Gestation less than 30 weeks and primiparity were associated with disrespect. Reported respectful care was lower in middle-income countries than in high-income countries (adjusted odds ratio 0.35, 95% CI 0.29-0.42, p < 0.01). In many countries, aspects of care quality need improvement, such as ensuring families have enough time with providers. Participating respondents from Latin America and southern Europe reported lower satisfaction across all aspects of care quality compared with northern Europe. Unmet need for memory-making activities in middle-income countries was high. CONCLUSIONS Many parents experience disrespectful care around stillbirth. Provider training and system-level support to address practical barriers are urgently needed. However, some practices (which are important to parents) can be readily implemented such as memory-making activities and referring to the baby by name.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Atkins
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hannah Blencowe
- MARCH Centre, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Frances M Boyle
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emma Sacks
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dell Horey
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vicki Flenady
- NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence, Mater Research Institute-The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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