Physicians' role and gender differences in the management of parents of a stillborn child: a nationwide study.
During spring 1997 all gynecologists working at gynecology departments in Sweden were sent a questionnaire regarding their role in, and attitudes to, the management of the parents of a stillborn child. Of 871 gynecologists approached, 761 answered the questionnaire (87%). The majority considered that the parents should hold the child (94%), that the child should be given a name (80%) and that the child should be photographed (92%). A smaller proportion considered that labor should be started within 24 h (40%) and that siblings should see the child (55%). A minority experienced guilt at what had happened (12%) and one-third were anxious about possible disciplinary measures (30%). The majority of the gynecologists stated that the need for guidance was urgent (90%) but that only a minority had received this (40%). Regarding gender differences, it emerged that the female gynecologists did not consider there was an age limit for siblings to see the child (p = 0.003), were less inclined to prescribe tranquilizers (p = 0.001) or to prolong the parents' sick-listing (p = 0.020). These differences remained after regression analysis was performed using background variables as covariates. In summary, this study demonstrates a great need for guidance; but that only a minority of the gynecologists get this. The lack of guidance/training may in the future increase the risk of this professional group becoming 'burnt out'.
Säflund
K
K
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Danderyds Hospital, Sweden. karin.saflund@omv.ki.se
Sjögren
B
B
Wredling
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D008571:Men / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010822:Physicians, Women / Q000523:psychology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden