Physicians' role and gender differences in the management of parents of a stillborn child: a nationwide study

During spring 1997 all gynecologists working at gynecology departments in S weden were sent a questionnaire regarding their role in, and attitudes to, the management of the parents of a stillborn child. Of 871 gynecologists ap proached, 761 answered the questionnaire (87%), The majority considered tha t the parents should hold the child (94%), that the-child should be given a name (80%) and that the child should be photographed (92%). A smaller prop ortion considered that labor should be started within 24 h (40%)and that si blings should see the child (55%), A minority experienced guilt at what had happened (12%) and one-third were anxious about possible disciplinary meas ures (30%). The majority of the gynecologists stated that the need for guid ance was urgent (90%) but that only a minority had received this (40%). Reg arding gender differences, it emerged that the female gynecologists did not consider there was an age limit for siblings to see the child (p = 0.003) were:less inclined to prescribe tranquilizers (p = 0.001) Or to prolong the patients' sick-listing (p = 0.020). These differences remained after regre ssion analysis was performed using background variables as covariates. In-s ummary, this study demonstrates a great need for guidance; but that Only a minority Of the gynecologists get this. The lack of guidance/training may i n the future increase the risk of this professional group becoming 'burnt o ut'.