Improving Care for Women Who Experience a First Trimester Loss: Physical and Mental Healthcare and Support Services for Miscarriage Patients

S D Med. 2020 Oct;73(10):448-451.

Abstract

It is estimated that 25-30 percent of known pregnancies result in early pregnancy loss, which can contribute to significant mental health issues for women. In a local health system, it was identified that there was no standard of care for mental health resources offered to patients experiencing a first trimester miscarriage. To create a model of care and a set of resources that the health system could offer, miscarriage patients nationwide were surveyed about resources and care they received or did not receive, and how that contributed to their satisfaction. This was accomplished with an online, anonymous survey distributed via social media. The survey had 687 responses, with 646 confirming a first trimester miscarriage. Only 13.0 percent (95 percent CI 0.10,0.16) of patients surveyed were offered mental health resources, while a majority desired to receive them. Additionally, only 28.4 percent (0.25,0.32) of patients had a provider well-check, something 84.4 percent (0.81,0.88) of women wanted. Overall, patients reported a mean satisfaction with their care and resources of 5.1 out of 10 (4.89,5.35) and 4.1 out of 10 (3.86,4.32) respectively. Using this data, the goal is to create a standard protocol that health systems can easily implement to improve miscarriage patient satisfaction.

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous* / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mental Health Services*
  • Patients
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First