K. Saflund et al., Physicians' role and gender differences in the management of parents of a stillborn child: a nationwide study, J PSYCH OBS, 21(1), 2000, pp. 49-56
Citations number
35
Categorie Soggetti
Psychiatry,"Reproductive Medicine
Journal title
JOURNAL OF PSYCHOSOMATIC OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
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'.