Abstract

FONSECA, Ana Dias da; PEDROSA, Anabela Araújo  and  CANAVARRO, Maria Cristina. Effectiveness of a psychological intervention protocol in cases of perinatal loss: women’s perceptions. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2010, vol.serIII, n.2, pp.55-64. ISSN 0874-0283.

Context: The Psychological Intervention Unit (UnIP) developed a psychological intervention protocol for cases of perinatal loss, with the aim of promoting parental adjustment to perinatal loss in terms of acceptance of loss and resumption of normal life functioning. Aim: The goal of this study was to explore women’s perceptions of the psychological intervention protocol (goal achievement, importance and usefulness). Method: Thirty-seven women, who received psychological intervention according to the protocol after the occurrence of a perinatal loss, participated in this descriptive-correlational study. Results: Results suggested that women perceived the intervention protocol as useful and effective in the attainment of its goals; this perception varied according to some characteristics of the intervention protocol. Results also showed that the psychological intervention protocol seemed to be more effective in promoting loss-focused coping than resumption of routines. Conclusion: Despite the benefits of the protocol, there is a gap in the encouragement of the alternating process between dimensions of loss-focused coping and coping focused on resumption of routines. Implications for the intervention protocol application are discussed.

Keywords : perinatal mortality; treatment effectiveness; patient satisfaction.

        · abstract in Portuguese | Spanish     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )