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Published on: July 19, 2019
"Looking for answers": Parent experiences of perinatal autopsy
Denise Côté-Arsenault1, Katie Hanson2, Samah Hawsawi1
1Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Abstract:
We aim to understand parents' experiences and satisfaction with perinatal autopsy. Seventeen participants whose babies had an autopsy within the past 3 years completed the survey and seven were interviewed. A mixed methods design was used. "Looking for Answers" was the overall parent perspective of seeking autopsy. Two categories with themes were identified: (1) Experiencing Loss (themes: Personal stories and Emotional responses) and (2) Interacting with the Health Care System (themes: Care received, Communication and Autopsy process). Satisfaction scores with autopsy process were positive; however, participants' stories revealed fragmented care and healthcare communications that contributed to dissatisfaction, complicated grief, and trauma.

