Multidisciplinary perinatal care for women with bleeding disorders

Women with bleeding disorders face increased bleeding risks during the perinatal period, making coordinated care essential to prevent and manage bleeding complications.

The study aimed to characterize the perinatal experiences of women with bleeding disorders and assess the impact of multidisciplinary care and care plans on patients and healthcare providers.

Women aged >18 years with bleeding disorders who were provided a multidisciplinary care plan and underwent labor and delivery were recruited from St. Michael's Hospital Multidisciplinary Clinic for Women with Bleeding Disorders. Semistructured interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was reached, and transcripts were analyzed using descriptive qualitative analysis. Provider experiences were assessed using survey methods.

Fourteen participants were interviewed. Four primary themes were identified: 1) the impact of bleeding disorders on pregnancy, 2) challenges with the healthcare system, 3) St. Michael's Hospital Multidisciplinary Clinic for Women with Bleeding Disorders delivered patient-centered care, and 4) experience with the care plan. Eighteen healthcare providers completed the survey, with 89% supporting that the care plan was helpful and all agreeing that it met clinical needs.

Our work demonstrates that although women with bleeding disorders face unique perinatal challenges, multidisciplinary care and individualized care plans improve confidence and empowerment and support advocacy-based, patient-centered care.