Women ' s experiences of early pregnancy loss services during the pandemic: A qualitative investigation

Problem: Early pregnancy losses [EPL] are common, varied, and require different courses of management and care. Background: In the UK, women who suspect or suffer a pregnancy loss are usually provided specialist care in early pregnancy assessment units [EPAUs]. Their configuration has recently been evaluated, but recommendations for change in-line with best practice for optimum outcomes were unable to be implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic health system shock. Aim: To compare women 's experiences of EPAUs during the pandemic to themes previously found in qualitative work undertaken with women who utilised EPAUs before the pandemic. Methods: We conducted semi-structured virtual interviews, with women (N = 32) who suffered an early pregnancy loss during the pandemic; analysing transcripts using Template Analysis, based on findings about women 's (pre-pandemic) experiences of EPAU from The VESPA Study. Findings: We report on seven key themes: Barriers to Accessing Services; Communication & Information; Retention of Relational Care; Involvement in Care Decisions; Staffs ' Attitude or Approach; Efficiency of Service Delivery; Sensitive Patient Management. Discussion: Sensitive patient management and woman-staff interactions in EPAU settings remain a fundamental issue. Women also reported their experiences of EPAUs were comparatively worse during the pandemic.