Understanding and addressing the needs of women experiencing perinatal loss leading to hospital protocol change

• Main Author: Glatfelter, Kimberly S.
• Language: EN
• Published: Capella University 2017
• Subjects: Social work|Nursing
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10256114

<p> Perinatal loss is a relatively common occurrence and is defined as any loss, from conception through the first 28 days of life, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death. In this dissertation, perinatal will refer to the death of an infant due to miscarriage or stillbirth. Researchers says that understanding how mothers perceive the care after perinatal loss can play a significant role in their care, treatment, and health. The purpose of this appreciative inquiry action research study was to examine what women need to feel supported, emotionally, physically and spiritually within a hospital setting and how these supports impact women experiencing perinatal loss. Through participation interviews from women who experienced the loss and questionnaires answered by nurses and social workers, an investigation of what women perceive to be beneficial in receiving care after perinatal loss. Interviews were used to collect information from a sample of nine women who experienced prenatal loss in a hospital setting, as well as five nurses or social workers who provided support to these individuals were asked to participate in an interview, but if unable to then a questionnaire will be email to them. The information collected in this study was useful to medical and mental health professionals to develop more effective interventions to assist staff to support the women experiencing the loss, while validating the loss and treating the women with respect.</p>