Surgical management of a loss of pregnancy in the first trimester: Patient experience and influencing factors, a prospective observational study.

Objective: Describe the "patient experience" regarding care provided during the surgical management of a loss of pregnancy in the first trimester and identify the factors influencing this experience.

Material And Methods: It is an observational prospective study conducted in two type III, academic, maternity wards in Lyon, France, carrying out 8,500 deliveries per year. Adult female patients, having undergone a suction curettage for a loss of pregnancy in the first trimester from 24 December 2020 to 13 June 2021 were inculded. The "patient experience" was assessed using the 15 questions of the Picker Patient Experience (PPE-15) questionnaire, and research was conducted on factors influencing the patient experience. The main outcome was the percentage of patients reporting a problem in response to at least one of the PPE-15 questions.

Results: 58 out of 79 patients (73% CI [62-83]) reported at least one problem with their care. The largest proportion of problems was raised in question about "Opportunity for family/loved ones to talk to the doctor" (76% CI [61-87]). The lowest proportion of problems was raised in question about "Treated with respect and dignity" (8% CI [3-16]). No factors influencing the patient experience were identified.

Discussion: Almost three out of four patients reported a problem in the experience as a patient. The main areas of improvement reported by patients were the participation of their family/relatives and the emotional support provided by the healthcare team.

Tweetable Abstract: Better communication with patient families and emotional support could improve patient experience during the surgical management of a loss of pregnancy in the first trimester.