Overview
In Switzerland childbirth is generally assumed to be a healthy, normal life experience accompanied by safe and efficient professional care. However there are also experiences which are less positive and may even result in the death of the baby. In 2014 throughout Switzerland there were 402 stillbirths, 125 abortions after 22 weeks and 232 perinatal deaths. This study seeks to address the gaps in care provided to parents whose babies are given a diagnosis incompatible with life while in utero and who continue or terminate the pregnancy, who experience an intrauterine death resulting in stillbirth, or whose babies die within the first month of life.
The study aims to develop a best practice model of palliative and bereavement care for families of babies in any of the affected groups.
Specific objectives:
- To define what palliative and bereavement care was provided to parents of affected babies;
- To identify elements of best practice from the parents’ perspective;
To identify gaps in palliative and bereavement care Provision.
