Date of Award
Spring 2021
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Janis Schiefelbein
Second Advisor
Ashleigh Heter
Third Advisor
Janet Zepernick
Abstract
Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to identify woman’s feelings, support system, and their grieving process after repeating miscarriages. It was also used to identify any medications or treatments sought for miscarriages and pregnancies.
Design: A qualitative study was completed using a series of interviews performed in the rural area of Southeast Kansas regarding miscarriage history and the women’s experiences. Locating women to interview was done through social media, women were chosen who had a series of three or more miscarriages. The study examined access to fertility care in rural communities and the impact of access on women’s options regarding their health care. Semi-structured interviews guided by one open-ended question was used to explore the views, experiences, and beliefs of the participants.
Findings: It was a common finding that guilt and self-blame often occurred after a miscarriage but it was noted that many women had good support systems. Most of the women interviewed had difficulty obtaining progesterone after having a positive pregnancy test.
Research Limitations: Achievement of saturation with five interview participants.
Practical implications: It would be beneficial for standing orders to be available at the patient’s preferred pharmacy. Microscale changes would be to improve communication between patients and clinics regarding time of positive pregnancy test and the need for progesterone. Another change would be investments into local clinics that would bring a specialist to local hospital clinics one day a week or twice a month to see patients. Easier access to a specialist could potentially bring a wide variety of patients to the area as well as cut down on the time spent for patients away from their families, jobs, and on the road.
Recommended Citation
Dickerson, Whitney, "Understanding the Emotional and Treatment Impact of Recurrent Miscarriages for Women Living in Rural Medically Under-Served Areas" (2021). Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Project. 46.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/dnp/46
