Author:

Keywords:

Spontaneous abortion, KAP study, miscarriage, midwives

Abstract:

Introduction Spontaneous abortion or miscarriage occurs in 10 to 25% of all pregnancies. The midwife has a considerable role in guiding couples dealing with spontaneous abortion, and is assumed to possess sufficient knowledge and skills. This research is the first large scale Knowledge, Attitude and Practical experience (KAP) study among midwives in Flanders (Belgium) on spontaneous abortion. Materials and Methods A quantitative descriptive KAP study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. A total of 647 midwives (54%) working on maternity, labor and gynecological wards, maternal and neonatal (intensive) care units, antenatal consultations and reproductive medicine, were included. Case description (mandatory for Clinical Report) Results The mean knowledge score was 6.40 out of 10. Flemish midwives more often evaluated their knowledge as adequate when spontaneous abortion was included in the midwifery education (31% vs. 17.3%, p < 0.001). About 47% recently guided couples with spontaneous abortion. The majority (97%) indicated a key role for midwives in the emotional guidance of those couples. Lack of time, incapability and fear of being overtaken by the own feelings were indicated as main barriers in the (emotional) care. The majority (72.4%) indicated a lack of knowledge about spontaneous abortion. Almost 89% expressed the need for extra training on this subject. Conclusions Flemish midwives consider themselves as a key care giver in the emotional guidance of couples with miscarriage. However, they experience several barriers, e.g. lack of knowledge. The results highlight the importance of adequate training in knowledge and communication skills during midwifery education. Further research should focus on the educational midwifery programs, current (treatment) practices, involvement and attitude of the Flemish midwife in caring for couples with spontaneous abortion.