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https://hdl.handle.net/2440/138322
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Type: | Journal article |
Title: | Perinatal bereavement care during COVID-19 in Australian maternity settings |
Author: | Boyle, F.M. Horey, D. Dean, J.H. Lohan, A. Middleton, P. Flenady, V. |
Citation: | Journal of Perinatal Medicine: official journal of the World Association of Perinatal Medicine, 2022; 50(6):822-831 |
Publisher: | De Gruyter |
Issue Date: | 2022 |
ISSN: | 0300-5577 1619-3997 |
Statement of Responsibility: | Frances M. Boyle, Dell Horey, Julie H. Dean, Aditi Lohan, Philippa Middleton and Vicki Flenady |
Abstract: | Objectives: Perinatal bereavement care is a complex area of practice. The COVID-19 pandemic led to reconfiguration of maternity and perinatal bereavement care services. This study explores Australian health care providers’ perspectives of the impact of COVID-19 on the provision of respectful and supportive care following stillbirth or neonatal death. Methods: Members of a perinatal bereavement care network were consulted at the commencement of the pandemic in Australia using an online feedback form. Respondents provided ratings and free-text comments on the impact of COVID-19 on implementation of 49 recommendations contained in the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand/Stillbirth Centre of Research Clinical Practice Guideline for Respectful and Supportive Perinatal Bereavement Care. Results: Responses were received from 35 health care providers who provided perinatal bereavement care in clinical settings or through support organisations in Australia. Major impacts of COVID-19 were reported for 8 of 49 guideline recommendations. Impacts included reduced: support for mothers due to visitor restrictions; availability of cultural and spiritual support and interpreters; involvement of support people in decision-making; options for memory-making and commemorative rituals; and staff training and supervision. Adaptations to minimise impacts included virtual consultations, online staff training, use of cold cots, and increased staff support for memory-making. Conclusions: Health care providers encounter substantial challenges as they strive to implement best practice perinatal bereavement care in pandemic conditions. Some practice adaptations developed during the COVID-19 pandemic could benefit parents; however, evaluation of their effectiveness and acceptability is needed. |
Keywords: | bereavement care; COVID-19; neonatal death; stillbirth |
Rights: | © 2022 Frances M. Boyle et al., published by De Gruyter. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. |
DOI: | 10.1515/jpm-2021-0441 |
Grant ID: | NHMRC |
Published version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/jpm-2021-0441 |
Appears in Collections: | Medicine publications |
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