A qualitative study exploring the needs related to the health system in women with experience of pregnancy termination due to fetal anomalies in Iran

BACKGROUND: In order to provide appropriate and adequate care to women who have experienced termination of pregnancy due to fetal anomalies, the health needs of this group should be assessed. Considering the lack of information about the care and services required by these women in Iran, this study was conducted with the aim of exploring the needs related to the health system in women with experience of pregnancy termination due to fetal anomalies. METHODS: This study was conducted with a qualitative approach. 40 participants were selected through purposive sampling, and the data were collected through in-depth semi structured interviews and field notes, and analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: After analyzing the texts, the needs related to the health system in women with experience of pregnancy termination due to fetal anomalies were categorized in the three main categories: “efficient treatment team”, “optimal organizational structure in providing services” and “financial support for families”. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study by exploring and highlighting the needs related to the health system in different dimensions in women with experience of pregnancy termination due to fetal anomalies can be helpful for designing and providing basic and comprehensive care programs.