Effects of an Educational Bereavement Program on Health Care Professionals' Perceptions of Perinatal Loss

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in health care professionals' perceptions of perinatal loss situations before and after an educational program on perinatal bereavement. Method: A quasi-experimental design was used in a pretest and posttest format. Results: Scores were significantly higher (p = .000) on each of the posttest vignettes. Overall scores were lowest for the miscarriage pretest, whereas scores for the pretest vignettes for the stillbirth and neonatal loss were similar. A similar pattern occurred in the posttest vignette scores. Conclusion: Health care professionals' perceptions of the emotional care needs of families experiencing perinatal loss were significantly increased after an educational program. The miscarriage vignette had the largest change score and the lowest mean scores on the pretest and posttest, which indicates professionals do not view miscarriage as significant a loss as stillbirth and neonatal loss.

Hospital‐based interventions at and following miscarriage: Literature to inform a research‐practice initiative

“…The qualities that characterise midwifery care including providing complete information, encouraging self‐determination, and being sensitive to the emotional state are particularly important at a time of loss 8,25 . However, a study on staff perceptions of perinatal loss found that staff viewed miscarriage as not as significant a loss as stillbirth and neonatal loss.…”

“…However, a study on staff perceptions of perinatal loss found that staff viewed miscarriage as not as significant a loss as stillbirth and neonatal loss. While an education program on grief and loss theory, professional roles and skills heightened staff's awareness of the impact of miscarriage, it was still seen by them as not as significant 25 …”

Perinatal bereavement: a principle‐based concept analysis

“…Perinatal loss is commonly defined as loss of an infant through death via unintended or involuntary loss of pregnancy by miscarriage, early loss (less than 20 weeks), stillbirth (> 20 weeks gestation), or neonatal loss (newborn through 28 days of life) (Robinson et al 1999, DiMarco et al 2002). …”

“…Perinatal bereavement follows perinatal loss; thus it is a global, complex and multifaceted phenomenon that is of concern to nurse clinicians and nurse researchers around the world. Perinatal loss is commonly defined as loss of an infant through death via unintended or involuntary loss of pregnancy by miscarriage, early loss (<20 weeks), stillbirth (>20 weeks gestation) or neonatal loss (newborn through 28 days of life) (Robinson et al 1999, DiMarco et al 2002.…”

The Parental Experience of Pregnancy After Perinatal Loss

“…The care and understanding shown during the time of the loss can influence the parents' grieving process (DiMarco, Renker, Medas, Bertosa, & Goranitis, 2002; Gold, 2007; Säflund, Sjögren, & Wredling, 2004; Trulsson & Rådestad, 2004; Uren & Wastell, 2002). Health care professionals need an understanding of the impact of perinatal loss on subsequent pregnancy so that adequate healthcare may be provided.…”