PERINATAL LOSS, MANAGEMENT OF CARE - ANALYSIS.

Background: Perinatal loss is the death of an infant during pregnancy or soon thereafter. A suitable approach to the parents with perinatal loss from the health professionals is essential. Parents need help and support. The aim of the study was to identify and analyze specific nursing / midwifery interventions to meet the special needs of women / parents related to perinatal loss and grief in a particular hospital in Slovakia. Methods: The sample consisted of 17 midwives employed at Louis Pasteur University Hospital in Košice, Slovakia. The data was collected from the semi-structured interviews designed to obtain information about the opinions, attitudes and experiences of midwives in the care of women with perinatal loss. We used cluster analysis and method of patterns to intercept the common traits. Results: According to the analysis of the obtained data it was determined that 16 of 17 midwives reported communication problems with the grieving women or parents. 7 of 17 midwives didn't know how to create memory boxes for the parents to take home, 11 of 17 reported problems with securing adequate environment and 13 of 17 didn't know about grief and bereavement counselling. Conclusions: The midwives have problems with securing adequate environment, supporting and guiding the grieving parents, with implementation of specific interventions in the care for women / parents, and especially problems with the communication skills of midwives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]