"Death is a sensitive topic when you are surrounded by life": Nurses experiences with pregnancy loss

Autores da FMUP

• Ana Marta Matos Silva

  Autor

• Carla Maria De Almeida Ramalho

  Autor

Participantes de fora da FMUP

• Veloso Martins, M.
• Filipa Areias Valente, V.
• Costa, M.

Unidades de investigação

• Ginecologia-Obstetrícia e Pediatria

• Medicina da Comunidade, Informação e Decisão em Saúde

Abstract

Objective: Although there is increasing evidence on the psychosocial adjustment and experiencing pregnancy loss from the patients 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 patients journey, containing the partners ambiguous role, timing, respect for the patients 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.

Keywords

• Pregnancy loss; Bereavement; Abortion Care; Communication; Qualitative research; Midwifery