Managing miscarriage: the management of the emotional sequelae of miscarriage in training practices in the West of Scotland.

Abstract

Miscarriage is a very common event which is rarely a medical emergency, and which, from a biomedical perspective, may justifiably be viewed as a 'normal' complication of early pregnancy. From the mother's point of view however, the loss of a wanted pregnancy may be viewed quite differently. A number of studies have identified significant levels of dissatisfaction with the medical care which women have received at the time of a miscarriage. This paper describes a survey of the management of miscarriage by general practitioner trainees and trainers in the West of Scotland and on the basis of responses to a series of MEQ-type questions, indicates GPs views on the importance of counselling, sympathetic listening and good information in this area. The translation of these attitudes and beliefs into practice is, of course, a different issue, and one which may be affected by the task-oriented approach of the new contract.