Individualized Supportive Care for Women with Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Addressing Preferences and Providing Personalized Support

Abstract

Abstract Background: Women who have miscarriages/stillbirths are likely to have anxiety, depression, grief and stigma. Supportive care (SC) is important to ease the above conditions of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). However, the specific contents of SC preferred by women with RPL, and their satisfaction level with what they have experienced is poorly understood. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on women who visited outpatient clinics at two hospitals in Japan from June to September 2019. Awareness of SC, preferences, experience, and the level of satisfaction regarding 26 supportive care options, the number of doctors consulted and the frequency of ultrasound examinations were assessed. Results: Responses from 142 participants were analyzed,and less than 10.0% of them were aware of SC. Women with RPL preferred their husbands (99.3%) and mothers (44.8%) as their primary sources of support. The majority preferred to consult with one doctor (43%) and have a weekly ultrasound examination (54.9%). Doctors (85.9%) and nurses (82.4%) were the preferred medical staff. Six categories of supportive care were identified, with preference rates of 60.0% or higher, but the experience rates were 47.0% or lower. Women who had experienced more than four miscarriages/stillbirths showed significant associations with preferences related to ‘information, education, and planning’ , ‘emotional support and psychological care’ and ‘sensitivity and empathy’ categories. Conclusion: Preferences for SC ranged widely among women with RPL, and the majority preferred a care plan incorporating emotional support, psychological care, sensitivity and empathy involving one doctor with an ultrasound examination performed once a week.The study emphasizes the importance of tailor-made care, addressing the specific needs and preferences of each individual rather than providing routine care.