Perinatal bereavement: nurses’ perceptions in an obstetrics and gynecology unit
Abstract
Objective: to explore nurses’ perceptions of perinatal bereavement in an obstetrics and gynecology unit. Methods: qualitative descriptive study conducted with 15 nurses from the obstetrics and gynecology unit of a university hospital in Paraná, Brazil. Between June and October 2024, data were collected through semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed using Bardin’s thematic content analysis. Results: the final sample included 15 participants, all women, aged 24–52 years, with time in practice ranging from 1 year and 2 months to 24 years. Three categories emerged: Feelings and lived experiences related to perinatal bereavement; Gaps in care in the context of perinatal bereavement; and Strengths in caring for bereaved families. Conclusions: findings indicate a lack of professional preparation compromises support for families. They also highlight the need for an approach integrating physical and emotional care, alongside training focused on compassionate care and empathetic engagement, to ensure high-quality, respectful care.
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References
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