A transdisciplinary team approach to perinatal loss

Abstract

Pregnancy loss is a unique and life-changing event for the woman and her family. Miscarriages occur in about 15% to 20% of all clinically identified pregnancies in the United States. These pregnancy losses can cause a multitude of problems including physical, emotional, and psychosocial distress. This article discusses how a transdisciplinary team embarked on a 1-year journey to establish a process for providing consistent, high-quality care to women experiencing a pregnancy loss. This team was developed in response to opportunities for improvement at a regional tertiary care center. The team's mission was to develop a uniform standard of compassionate care for these families through a transdisciplinary approach focusing on guidance, support, and information. By sharing the story of our Fetal Demise Task Force, other individuals may be able to identify strengths and weaknesses in their own facilities as they care for women and families experiencing a pregnancy loss.