Patient Preferences and Experiences in Hyperemesis Gravidarum Treatment: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) medical therapies are currently of limited effect, which creates a larger role for patient preferences in the way HG care is arranged. This is the first study using in-depth interviews to investigate patients' preferences and experiences of HG treatment. Materials and Methods We conducted individual in-depth interviews among women who had been hospitalized for HG in North Holland at least once in the past 4 years. We asked them about their experiences, preferences, and suggestions for improvement regarding the HG treatment they received. The sample size was determined by reaching data saturation. Themes were identified from analysis of the interview transcripts. Results and Discussion 13 women were interviewed. Interviewees emphasized the importance of early recognition of the severity of HG, increasing caregivers' knowledge on HG, early medical intervention, and nasogastric tube feeding. They valued a single room in hospital, discussion of treatment options, more possibilities of home-treatment, psychological support during HG and after childbirth, and more uniform information and policies regarding HG treatment. Conclusion Further research is needed to establish whether the suggestions can lead to more (cost) effective care and improve the course of HG and outcomes for HG patients and their children.

Pregnant women report being denied medications to treat severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy or hyperemesis gravidarum – findings from an Australian online survey

“…Such findings have been previously limited to anecdotal reports 15 . Similarly, while women’s feelings of not being taken seriously or the trivialisation of symptoms is a common finding in qualitative studies, 8,9 information on the nature of those interactions, in terms of types of medication and healthcare professionals involved, has not previously been explored.…”

“…Despite guidelines recognising the importance of early identification and treatment of NVP/HG, previous studies have shown that women with NVP often report experiencing not being taken seriously by healthcare professionals when seeking treatment 8,9 . This is coupled by evidence of high levels of maternal anxiety, 10 or a reluctance among some health care professionals, 11,12 about the use of medications to treat severe NVP or HG.…”

Effect of Educational Program regarding Hyperemesis Gravidarum on Nurses′ Performance and Women's Outcomes

“…To achieve the aim of this study the following three tools were used for data collection: Tool I: Structured interview schedule for nurses and women: It was developed by the researcher after reviewing recent related literature [13,14] to collect basic data from nurses and women. (15) and Jasline (2019) (16) and was used by the researcher to collect nurses′ knowledge before, immediately and three months after implementation of the educational program.…”

“…-Low level of knowledge <60% = (0 -14 marks). Tool II: An observational checklist for nurses′ practice: It was developed by the researcher after reviewing recent related literature (14,17,18) to assess nurses′ practice before, immediately and three months after implementation of the educational program regarding hyperemesis gravidarum. It included three items and their subitems related to assessment, intervention and educational roles of the nurse as follow: -Done correctly and completely was scored as (2).…”

Rating of four different foods in women with hyperemesis gravidarum: a randomised controlled trial

“… 13 Women affected by HG report not being taken seriously by caregivers, pressure for them to eat, lack of early intervention to prevent dehydration and the importance of a single room in the hospital to avoid stimuli that evoked vomiting, like light, noise and smells, in particular food, but also body odour and perfumes. 14 Taste and smell capability are impaired in HG, with smell more affected, 15 but how the impairments may impact food and drink tolerances is not known.…”