Experiences and perceptions of midwives and doctors when caring for mothers with pregnancy loss in a Gauteng hospital

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experience of midwives and doctors when caring for mothers with pregnancy loss. To realise this goal, the researcher followed a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual approach. A purposive sampling method was used to select the doctors and midwives, using set criteria. Data was collected by using focused, semi-structured, individual interviews, taped and transcribed verbatim. Open coding combined with conceptualisation were used to analyse data until saturation occurred. Seven doctors and nine midwives who were interviewed described their experiences and perceptions when working with mothers with pregnancy loss. It became clear that both midwives and doctors lack the know-how to support mothers with pregnancy loss, and that they are overwhelmed by problems like shortage of staff and overcrowding. It is recommended that further research be conducted in other public hospitals, i.e. on a larger scale, to see if the findings are the same. It is also recommended that a counselling programme be developed to help health professionals deal with problems in the ward situation, while they are still able to attend to the mothers. The institution should develop guidelines, policies and procedures to help health professionals to cope when a life can no longer be saved. A multidisciplinary approach and conferences that target causes of perinatal loss are also recommended.