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Policy Change and Toolkit Implementation: Improving Care for Patients with Early Pregnancy Loss in a Community Hospital Emergency Department
Caedo, Cassandra Elyse
Caedo, Cassandra Elyse
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Abstract
Problem: Patients experiencing early pregnancy loss are at an increased risk of emotional and psychological trauma. A lack of empathetic care or meaningful interactions by emergency department (ED) staff can create distress in patients experiencing miscarriage. Additionally, a lack of evidence-based continuing education for ED staff on the topic of pregnancy loss can further compound the problem. Since early pregnancy loss is typically addressed in the ED setting, it is often the first point of care for patients with early pregnancy bleeding.Aim: The aim of this quality improvement project was to update the early pregnancy loss policy for a community-based hospital and incorporate an early pregnancy loss toolkit for clinicians to reference when caring for patients with miscarriages. The purpose of the project was to improve perceived quality of care by patients experiencing pregnancy loss, and to inform ED providers on evidence-based methods of caring for pregnancy loss patients.Methods: An evidence-based policy for ED care of patients experiencing early pregnancy loss was drafted for a community hospital in Overland Park, Kansas. A perinatal bereavement toolkit was created with the perinatal bereavement coordinator to provide resources and education for ED staff. The policy draft and toolkit were assessed via Likert-scale and free text questionnaire for feasibility, clarity, and acceptability by ED physicians, nurses, patient care technicians, and the perinatal bereavement coordinator.Results: Evaluation of the policy draft and toolkit resulted in comments and ratings for revisions. The hospital-wide policy draft was revised, and a combined policy and procedure specific to the emergency department was created with the ED clinical nurse specialist obstetrics unit educator, and perinatal bereavement coordinator.Keywords: miscarriage, pregnancy loss, early pregnancy loss, toolkit
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2023-05-31
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University of Kansas
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This item contains archived web content.
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978657_1.pdf
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Nursing,