Abstract

Perinatal palliative care is a philosophy of care for families following antenatal diagnosis and expected delivery of a baby with a life-limiting condition. The precious time parents have to spend with their baby can be brief, so a comprehensive, individualised approach is essential. The Health Service Executive introduced the National Standards for Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death with the purpose of enhancing bereavement care services for families experiencing perinatal loss. We reviewed electronic charts from 2017-2018 at Cork University Maternity Hospital against the Standards. The local Bereavement Specialist Team and the National Implementation Team supplemented data. Thirty eight referrals were received. 37% pregnancies ended in stillbirth, 29% second-trimester miscarriage and 34% early-neonatal death. All pregnancies were cared for in dedicated rooms with the pregnancy loss symbol displayed clearly where appropriate. All points of care from the Standards were observed to a high level. Inconsistencies were noted in GP correspondence, and in the provision of written information surrounding antenatal diagnoses. Hospital efforts varied regarding the availability and/or mandatory nature of staff educational programmes. This review allowed for development of an audit tool for the Standards. Formalised and mandatory educational structures are needed to overcome inconsistencies in staff training.