Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40842003›Full record

ArticleBMC pregnancy and childbirth2025

Miscarriage communication in Australia: insights from women and general practice trainees.

Joanne Wong, Jacqueline Frayne, Sarah Smith, Jade Bilardi, Meredith Temple-Smith

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Joanne WongMedical School, Department of General Practice, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. joanne.wong@uwa.edu.au.
Jacqueline FrayneMedical School, Department of General Practice, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
Sarah SmithKing Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Perth, Australia.
Jade BilardiSchool of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Meredith Temple-SmithMedical School, Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMiscarriage, defined as the unintended loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks affects 1 in 4 pregnancies in Australia. Despite its prevalence, the emotional impact is often overlooked, and can lead to many women experiencing psychological distress including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Healthcare professionals play a vital role in providing support, however, many women experiencing miscarriage report dissatisfaction with their care, primarily due to the lack of emotional support. This study explores the perspectives of both women and General Practitioners-in-Training (GPiTs) to improve communication and provide actionable solutions for better miscarriage care during consultations.

methodsA qualitative study was undertaken. Recruitment occurred with consumers from pregnancy loss support networks, and GPiTs from the national General Practice training organisation in Australia. Online focus groups were conducted to discuss personal experiences, challenges and needs related to the miscarriage consultation. The data was transcribed, analysed using NVivo and coded using an inductive thematic approach. The research team identified key themes and reached a consensus on the findings.

resultsThree key themes were developed: Emotional care: Both women and GPiTs highlighted the need for improved emotional support, including acknowledgment of the loss, addressing guilt, and offering follow-up care. Women valued inclusivity and informed choices, while GPiTs reported challenges due to limited training. Provision of clear information: Women preferred simple, clear explanations and written materials regarding miscarriage management. GPiTs recognised the importance of empathetic communication when conveying sensitive information. Training and skills: GPiTs highlighted the need for early, formal training in miscarriage counselling whilst women emphasised the importance of education for all healthcare providers involved in miscarriage care.

conclusionsThis study highlights the need to integrate emotional care into all miscarriage consultations. Additionally, early training to support and deliver a consistent approach in a sensitive manner, covering both the physical and emotional aspects of miscarriage is needed. This is essential to improve the quality of care provided, and ensure better support for women during this emotionally challenging time.

Indexed as

Abortion, SpontaneousCommunicationGeneral PracticeGeneral PractitionersPhysician-Patient RelationsAdultAustraliaFemaleFocus GroupsHumansPregnancyQualitative ResearchSocial SupportEmotional careGeneral practiceHealthcare provider trainingMiscarriage

Identifiers

PMID40842003
PMCPMC12369086

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.