Providing meaningful care for families experiencing stillbirth: a meta-synthesis of qualitative evidence

Brief

An exploration of the meaningfulness of non-pharmacological care for bereaved families impacted by stillbirth.

Background

This paper presents the results of one meta-synthesis from the systematic review report and covered the experience of stillbirth from diagnosis until many years later. Emerging themes that underpinned the meaningfulness of care provided to parents experiencing stillbirth included: information provision, the need for emotional support and appropriate maternity ward environments and systems. Elements of care that were experienced as meaningful from the perspective of parents were explored to provide understanding of how parents experience care and what may help or hinder parents’ experience of distress, anxiety, and grief throughout the experience of stillbirth.

Key takeaways

Communication at the time of stillbirth diagnosis is critical, particularly the way the diagnosis of stillbirth is conveyed. This is a key factor that can impact upon parents’ experience of care and their psychological well-being. Maternity care providers may benefit from training to help develop skills to provide care for parents experiencing stillbirth. Where possible, parents may appreciate receiving care from the same maternity care providers beyond the initial diagnosis of stillbirth.

“Parents require sensitive and genuinely empathetic care from maternity care providers as well as clear, carefully worded information and guidance.”

Key contributors

M D J Peters
K Lisy
D Riitano
Z Jordan
E Aromataris

Full report

Access the full report here.

Funding amount

$50,000