“It’s Not an Intervention; It’s a Philosophy”: Extending a Model of Patient-Centered Communication to Pregnancy After Loss

Abstract

Pregnancy after perinatal loss is a stressful experience that requires special attention from health care providers during prenatal appointments. However, research suggests that such care is often lacking. Communication scholars are uniquely positioned to explore the types of communication behaviors patients prefer during this period. In individual and group interviews with 16 women who had experienced perinatal loss, we used a series of vignettes to prompt participants to reflect on their own interactions with providers and to offer their opinions on preferred communication practices. Using a patient-centered communication framework to address emotional distress, our findings outline specific communication preferences that can enhance health care delivery during prenatal appointments following a loss. We conclude by proposing a revised version of Dean and Street’s model and discussing practical implications for patient–provider communication.