Abstract
Background
Miscarriage can be a devastating event for women and men that can lead to short- and long-term emotional distress. Studies have reported associations between miscarriage and depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in women. Men can also experience intense grief and sadness following their partner’s miscarriage. While numerous studies have reported hospital-related factors impacting the emotional wellbeing of parents experiencing miscarriage, there is a lack of review evidence which synthesises the findings of current research.
Aims
The aim of this review was to synthesise the findings of studies of emotional distress and wellbeing among women and men experiencing miscarriage in hospital settings.
Methods
A systematic search of the literature was conducted in October 2020 across three different databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycInfo) and relevant charity organisation websites, Google, and OpenGrey. A Mixed Methods appraisal tool (MMAT) and AACODS checklist were used to assess the quality of primary studies.
Results
Thirty studies were included in this review representing qualitative (N = 21), quantitative (N = 7), and mixed-methods (N = 2) research from eleven countries. Findings indicated that women and men’s emotional wellbeing is influenced by interactions with health professionals, provision of information, and the hospital environment. Parents’ experiences in hospitals were characterised by a perceived lack of understanding among healthcare professionals of the significance of their loss and emotional support required. Parents reported that their distress was exacerbated by a lack of information, support, and feelings of isolation in the aftermath of miscarriage. Further, concerns were expressed about the hospital environment, in particular the lack of privacy.
Conclusion
Women and men are dissatisfied with the emotional support received in hospital settings and describe a number of hospital-related factors as exacerbators of emotional distress.
Implications for practice
This review highlights the need for hospitals to take evidence-informed action to improve emotional support services for people experiencing miscarriage within their services.
Miscarriage can be a devastating event for women and men that can lead to short- and long-term emotional distress. Studies have reported associations between miscarriage and depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in women. Men can also experience intense grief and sadness following their partner’s miscarriage. While numerous studies have reported hospital-related factors impacting the emotional wellbeing of parents experiencing miscarriage, there is a lack of review evidence which synthesises the findings of current research.
Aims
The aim of this review was to synthesise the findings of studies of emotional distress and wellbeing among women and men experiencing miscarriage in hospital settings.
Methods
A systematic search of the literature was conducted in October 2020 across three different databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycInfo) and relevant charity organisation websites, Google, and OpenGrey. A Mixed Methods appraisal tool (MMAT) and AACODS checklist were used to assess the quality of primary studies.
Results
Thirty studies were included in this review representing qualitative (N = 21), quantitative (N = 7), and mixed-methods (N = 2) research from eleven countries. Findings indicated that women and men’s emotional wellbeing is influenced by interactions with health professionals, provision of information, and the hospital environment. Parents’ experiences in hospitals were characterised by a perceived lack of understanding among healthcare professionals of the significance of their loss and emotional support required. Parents reported that their distress was exacerbated by a lack of information, support, and feelings of isolation in the aftermath of miscarriage. Further, concerns were expressed about the hospital environment, in particular the lack of privacy.
Conclusion
Women and men are dissatisfied with the emotional support received in hospital settings and describe a number of hospital-related factors as exacerbators of emotional distress.
Implications for practice
This review highlights the need for hospitals to take evidence-informed action to improve emotional support services for people experiencing miscarriage within their services.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 270 |
Journal | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 31 Mar 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This ScR review was conducted as part of a Doctoral Degree funded by the Department of Economy and sponsored by Queen’s University Belfast.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022, The Author(s).
Keywords
- Emotional distress
- Emotional support
- Emotional wellbeing
- Hospital
- Miscarriage
- Perinatal mental health
- Scoping review
- Spontaneous abortion
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
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The emotional needs of women who experience miscarriage in hospital settings: a mixed-methods needs assessment in Northern Ireland
Galeotti, M. (Author), Aventin, A. (Supervisor), Mitchell, G. (Supervisor) & Tomlinson, M. (Supervisor), Dec 2023Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy