Maternity staff opinions on perinatal death reviews: Parent involvement and changes to standardising the system

ObjectivesPerinatal death review programmes collect perinatal mortality data and identify modifiable factors in preventable perinatal deaths. Reviews may provide closure and answers to bereaved parents. Many parents remain uninvolved in the review process. This qualitative study aimed to explore the opinions of maternity staff regarding the existing review system, parent involvement in reviews and standardising the review system.MethodsThis study involved interviews with staff from three maternity units in different locations around Ireland. A topic guide was used to guide the discussion. We spoke with staff members from different backgrounds and managerial levels, including doctors, midwives, patient advocates, risk managers and pastoral care. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the results.Results32 interviews were conducted between May and December 2022. Three themes and six associated subthemes were generated relating to communication with parents regarding review and their involvement in this process. Participants felt that parents were not involved enough in the review process and that communication with parents about reviews needed improvement. A parent advocate was viewed as important for guidance and support for parents during the review process. Facilitators included an easy-to-use, electronic review form and providing education about the review process. Barriers included local resistance to changing the process and lack of time to complete reviews.ConclusionPerinatal death reviews are not standardised in Ireland. Communication with parents and parent involvement in reviews could be improved. Highlighted facilitators and barriers should be addressed prior to implementing any proposed changes to the review system.