Hvordan opplever kvinner som har gjennomgått svangerskapsavbrudd møtet med det norske helsevesenet?

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Approximately 10-20% of all clinically recognized pregnancies end in miscarriage. Roundly estimated 40% of the female population will go through an induced abortion. It is widely known that pregnancy termination may cause psychological distress, in the form of anxiety and depression.

Objective: To get a better understanding of how women experience the public health service during a miscarriage and induced abortion. Are they satisfied? What can be done to improve their experience?

Method: This is a qualitative study based on questionnaires and semistructured interviews with 72 women, 31 miscarriages and 41 induced abortions. The women talked about their experiences after 10 days, 6 months, 2 years and 5 years.

Results: There are 3 main topics: communication, organization and positive experiences. Topics discussed under communication are the need for more information, conversation and follow-up care, the ability to deliver a message, pressure from health personnel, the ultrasound-situation and need for care and consideration. Organization includes sharing a room, lack of discretion in private conversation, sickleave and caring for unexpected miscarriages. In the category positive experiences, women appreciate having a contact person, receive information and being met with care and respect.

Conclusion: Good contact and communication between patient and caretaker is essential for successful treatment. Empathy, respect and caring personnel are highly valued. It seems like the amount of time and resources applied on these women don`t match the physical and emotional ordeal they go through. We need more evidence-based research to find out the effectiveness of the treatment recommended and wanted.