Patient perspectives of pregnancy loss in the emergency department

•Patients have cited physicians and nurses as having an impact on their experience of pregnancy loss.•Little is known regarding patient perceptions of pregnancy loss in the emergency department (ED) and specifically how to address this experience to improve ED care.•Through the knowledge of these experiences, future development and implementation of patient-oriented interventions may improve ED care. While threats to pregnancy such as vaginal bleeding are common, half will miscarry. The ED environment is not always conducive to the emotional and psychological needs of women grieving the loss of a pregnancy. Healthcare providers have a great impact on the women’s experience of pregnancy loss. This study describes the perspectives of women experiencing a pregnancy loss in the ED. The study used a qualitative descriptive research design interviewing women diagnosed with a pregnancy loss in the ED. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics of the sample and content analysis of interviews. Eight participant interviews generated five themes related to the ED as part of the crossroads of motherhood and pregnancy loss. The themes were (a) Decisions to get help, (b) The environment of emergency care, (c) Not knowing, (d) Finally knowing and moving on, (e) Assisting with the grieving process. Understanding the needs of women diagnosed with pregnancy loss allows emergency nurses and providers to provide more holistic, compassionate care. Knowledge of pregnancy loss experiences will assist in the improvement of future patient care, and may positively impact recovery and transition to normalcy.