"Perinatal loss, a devastating cyclone": A situation-specific nursing theory

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Spontaneous perinatal loss affects women across all trimesters.
• Understanding the emotional impact is crucial for effective support.
• Existing theories may not fully capture the lived experience of perinatal loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a preliminary theory exploring women's emotional responses to spontaneous perinatal loss.
• To provide an in-depth understanding of the experiences of women who have suffered perinatal loss.

Main Methods:

• Grounded theory approach utilizing 25 in-depth interviews with Spanish women.
• Theoretical sampling and constant comparative analysis to achieve theoretical saturation.
• Adherence to EQUATOR guidelines with COREQ checklist for reporting.

Main Results:

• The situation-specific nursing theory "Perinatal loss, a devastating cyclone" was developed.
• The theory uses a cyclone analogy to describe the seven phases of the perinatal loss process.
• Identified three intervention areas: "rescue area" (family), "relief area" (healthcare professionals), and "base camp" (society).

Conclusions:

• The developed theory offers a comprehensive framework for understanding women's experiences of perinatal loss.
• The theory can guide healthcare professionals in supporting women through disenfranchised grief.
• This theory provides a novel perspective on perinatal loss, integrating emotional, social, and clinical dimensions.