Objective: The aim: The research conducted aims at evaluating the way the medical staff functions in the care of the pregnant patient diagnosed with fetal defects.
Patients and methods: Material and methods: 158 midwives took part in the study. The MINI-COPE standardized questionnaire and author's questions were used.
Results: Results: During the period when the care was provided for the pregnant patients diagnosed with fetal defects, nearly 50% of the midwives under examination complained about the decline of their wellbeing. 75,3% of the respondents seek help and advice on how to deal with a stressful situation. Ideal for providing a systemic support, the midwives most often chose a psychologist and a psychotherapist. The surveyed who reported no need for a systemic support for the medical staff at the workplace, as the causes of their attitude pointed to their diminished trust in the ward nurse and no place for honest conversations. Most of the midwives surveyed during the care of the patient with the fetal defects experienced stress and bigger mental exhaustion. Over half of the surveyed reported lack of systemic psychological support provided for the medical staff at the workplace.
Conclusion: Conclusions: The research indicates the need to introduce courses and training on topics related to how to deal with stressful situations into the education system of medical staff.
Keywords: fetal diseases; medical staff; obstetric nursing; prenatal care; psychological stress.