Nurses' and midwives' perceptions and strategies to cope with perinatal death situations: A systematic literature review

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this paper is to describe the strategies used by nurses and midwives to cope with experiences of dealing with perinatal death and maintain their satisfaction at work.

Design: Systematic literature review, in accordance with the PRISMA Declaration.

Data sources: (2000-2021) Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, CINALH and Dialnet, for articles in English and Spanish from the period between January 2000 and March 2021.

Review methods: The outcome of the review was the perceptions of nurses and midwives who have cared for people in a situation of perinatal loss.

Results: Thirteen studies were identified that evaluated the attitudes, experiences and needs of these healthcare professionals. The combined size of all samples was 2196 participants.

Conclusions: The negative effects on these professionals' satisfaction with their situation at work could be mitigated by covering their needs for knowledge, experience, and emotional and technical skills to deal with such events.

Impact: As potential protective factors against dissatisfaction in nurses and midwives during perinatal death experiences, we identified older age and experience in perinatal care and coping strategies based on communicating one's feelings to peers, empathetic listening to the families cared for, training and institutional support. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Keywords: coping strategies; midwives; nursing; perceptions; perinatal death; satisfaction at work.