PIONEER
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Parental experience of novel post-mortem imaging following miscarriage: an exploratory study
IRAS ID
336740
Contact name
Ian C Simcock
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Why: Pregnancy loss affects many families in the UK with estimates of >250,000 miscarriages and 3000 stillbirths every year which has a devastating emotional and physical effect on parents, with many wanting to know why their baby died. Post-mortem tests can provide information on why this happened, but these tests involve cutting into the body, which many parents find unacceptable. A new type of post-mortem scan, called micro-CT provides detailed internal imaging of very small babies, using high powered x-rays without any cuts to the body. Many parents now choose this non-invasive investigation over a conventional post-mortem at our centre. The aim of this study is to conduct mixed methods research to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of this new micro-CT service.
What: This study focuses on gathering the perspectives of parents who have undergone a micro-CT investigation following a pregnancy loss, as well as the views of healthcare professionals who refer and consent parents for this procedure. Additionally, we aim to compare the findings of micro-CT scanning with those of antenatal investigations.
Who: We will be recruiting parents referred for an autopsy following a pregnancy loss and who have been offered a post-mortem scan such as micro-CT, as well as healthcare professionals who refer/consent these parents for a micro-CT investigation.
How: This will be a mixed methods study involving surveys, in-depth interviews, and retrospective data analysis on the diagnostic findings of the micro-CT scan and other associated tests.
Where: Sites where a micro-CT service is available.
By providing greater choice and more acceptable investigations for parents, this work could increase the uptake of post-mortem investigations. It is critical these are employed correctly to improve our understanding of why pregnancy loss occurs, improving care and reducing emotional distress for parents, and alleviating the financial burden to the NHS.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
25/WS/0032
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion