Jansens Jozefiene, Faes Kristof, De Coninck Maëlle, Gilissen Joni, Van Kelst Liesbeth
Research Centre Care in Connection, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Antwerp, Belgium.
Equity in Brain Health, Atlantic Institute, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Eur J Midwifery. 2024 Dec 19;8. doi: 10.18332/ejm/194159. eCollection 2024.
Perinatal loss, encompassing stillbirth and neonatal death, can have profound physical and psychological consequences for parents. Effective communication by healthcare professionals during this sensitive period is critical. This study aimed to explore how bereaved parents and professionals experienced verbal and non-verbal communication during perinatal loss.
A qualitative, in-depth interview study following grounded theory principles was conducted in Flanders, Belgium, between January and June 2021. Participants were purposively selected via a hospital ward. Face-to-face (n=8) and online (n=13) interviews were carried out by two midwife researchers who were aware of potential biases related to personal/professional interests. A group of bereaved parents and professionals provided feedback during the project. Qualitative analysis was conducted using NVIVO, employing open and axial coding to identify themes.
Eleven bereaved parents and ten professionals participated. Six themes emerged: 1) navigating time and adjusting pace; 2) recognition of parenthood in woman and partner; 3) clear, honest information for shared decision-making; 4) authentic contact while leaving room for alone time; 5) gentle and sensitive verbal communication; and 6) professionals' self-care. Parents valued clear, honest communication, acknowledgment of their parenthood, and the ability to make informed decisions. Healthcare professionals emphasized the challenge of providing adequate time and presence amidst busy schedules, but recognized the importance of empathy and sensitivity.
Compassionate, patient-centered care with effective verbal and non-verbal communication is vital in supporting bereaved parents during perinatal loss, and it continues to be a challenge. Findings can guide clinical practice to inform professional training initiatives and inform intervention development.
围产期死亡，包括死产和新生儿死亡，会给父母带来深远的身心影响。在这个敏感时期，医护人员进行有效的沟通至关重要。本研究旨在探讨丧亲父母和医护人员在围产期死亡期间如何体验言语和非言语沟通。
2021年1月至6月在比利时弗拉芒地区开展了一项遵循扎根理论原则的定性深入访谈研究。通过医院病房有目的地选择参与者。由两名助产士研究人员进行面对面访谈（n = 8）和在线访谈（n = 13），他们意识到与个人/职业利益相关的潜在偏见。一组丧亲父母和医护人员在项目期间提供了反馈。使用NVIVO进行定性分析，采用开放编码和轴心编码来确定主题。
11名丧亲父母和10名医护人员参与了研究。出现了六个主题：1）把握时间和调整节奏；2）承认女性和伴侣的父母身份；3）提供清晰、诚实的信息以共同决策；4）进行真实接触，同时留出独处时间；5）温和而敏感的言语沟通；6）医护人员的自我关怀。父母重视清晰、诚实的沟通、对其父母身份的认可以及做出明智决策的能力。医护人员强调在繁忙日程中提供足够时间和陪伴的挑战，但认识到同理心和敏感性的重要性。
富有同情心、以患者为中心的护理以及有效的言语和非言语沟通对于在围产期死亡期间支持丧亲父母至关重要，并且仍然是一项挑战。研究结果可为临床实践提供指导，为专业培训计划提供信息，并为干预措施的制定提供参考。
