Exploring parents' experiences of care in an Irish hospital following second-trimester miscarriage

Abstract

Background Second-trimester miscarriage is defined as pregnancy loss after 12 and before 24 weeks' gestation. Little is known about parents' experiences of hospital care during a second trimester miscarriage in Ireland. Aims This study aimed to explore parents' experiences of hospital care during a second-trimester miscarriage. Methods A focused ethnographic design was used. A series of semi-structured interviews were completed with 14 bereaved parents. The data were analysed using thematic network data analysis. Findings This paper discusses the global theme of relational and social experiences of miscarriage. Parents highlighted the need for compassionate care and expressed the importance of empathy and sensitivity from hospital staff to avoid further distress. Conclusions Compassionate care received by bereaved parents positively influenced their hospital experience, whereas a perceived lack of compassion or insensitivity had a lasting negative impact on bereaved parents.