Recommendations for Emergency Departments
Helpful tips for ER/ED on miscarriage and stillbirth.
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Make A Checklist Have a checklist of what staff is responsible for. Knowing exactly what their responsibilities are relieves staff stress as far as legal responsibilities and allows them to better focus on the needs of the patient. Nursing staff should know exactly what their responsibilities are regarding: 1) obtaining the products of conception properly, 2) procedures for containment, 3) paperwork, and 4) delivery to the lab If you use the Rachel’s Gift miscarriage resource (described below under "Provide a Keepsake") make sure the location of the resource is communicated and is on said checklist so staff members don’t forget to give one to the patient with the rest of their discharge paperwork.
Terminology Precautions Be cautious of using medical terms in front of the patient and patient's family. Consider using the term “miscarriage” instead of “spontaneous abortion.” Consider “stillbirth” instead of “fetal demise.” The wrong words can cause further trauma.
Utilize Colleagues Utilize Labor & Delivery staff and/or Chaplain staff. Attempt to get someone from Labor & Delivery involved as they have resources and have had training on interaction and care for patient and baby. They are aware they have been asked to be a resource for the ER/ED and are willing to help you better care for the patient.
Utilize Miscarriage Kits Send a miscarriage kit home with your patient. Consider utilizing miscarriage kits to send home with patients who are actively miscarrying. Kits like the ones available through Heaven's Gain include gentle guidance (in English or Spanish) and all necessary supplies for home care. Miscarriage kits can be purchased online at heavensgain.org/miscarriage-kits.
Honor The Body Medically, it may be considered “products of conception,” but to your patient, this was their child. Do not put in hazardous waste bag or metal container. Wrap in a blanket and get someone from Labor and Delivery involved, or refer to your checklist as mentioned above.
Acknowledge The Loss Say, “I’m so sorry for your loss.” Do not avoid the fact your patient has lost a child they were expecting. No more than that is necessary - just an acknowledgment.
Provide A Keepsake Give moms, at the very least, a miscarriage card (produced by Rachel’s Gift) with their paperwork. This acknowledges the loss and gives them a place to go after they are home if they need further assistance. You can request these cards by emailing info@rachelsgift.org