Knowledge and attitude of maternity nurses regarding perinatal bereavement care

Abstract

Background: Parents whose infants had died are in need for especial care and support, these needs are difficult and stressful. This study was aimed to evaluate knowledge and attitude of maternity nurses regarding perinatal bereavement care.

Method: A convenience sample including 50 maternity nurses were participated in the current study. Design: A descriptive study design was utilized to conduct the current study. Tools: Two tools were used for data collection, an interview schedule and attitude likerate scale.

Results: The current study findings revealed that, nurses had inadequate level of knowledge, positive and highly positive attitude regarding perinatal bereavement care were presented in (26%, & 64%) of nurses respectively. Nurses reside in rural areas, had personal grieving experiences and those had past experience in handling grieving parents had a highly positive attitude toward perinatal bereavement care.  

Conclusion: This study finding showed that, bereavement counseling education and preceptorship supervision are recommended to reduce this stressful experience, increase the confidence and expertise of nurses, and lead to increased quality of care for bereaved parents.