Hospital Practices for Parents Following Perinatal Loss

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide comprehensive and current information on hospital practices following perinatal death. The provinces with the highest number of hospitals in Turkey were selected for the study. To collect data, the questionnaire form of Canadian hospitals maternity policies and practices survey was sent to the appropriate respondents in hospitals. The study showed that encouraging parents to have photos of the deceased baby and preparing a remembrance pack were the most problematic issues and were not available at the majority of hospitals. The most common supportive practices in hospitals were the opportunity to see the deceased baby, assisting with funeral options and autopsies, and support for completing the necessary legal documents. The result indicated that hospitals implement varied practices in assisting the bereaved parents. The study recommended developing hospital policies and practices related to perinatal death and supporting families during their loss and grief.