Abstract
Abstract
Background
Perinatal loss is associated with a significant psychological impact, increasing the risk of developing mental health disorders. Despite growing recognition of this issue, gaps remain in the availability of structured support responses. There is a need to develop brief and replicable interventions, even in under-resourced settings, that can serve as effective preventive strategies. This study aims to describe the design and structure of a bereavement support group protocol following perinatal loss, implemented in a public hospital in Portugal.
Methods
The protocol consists of a structured intervention based on an adaptation of the EMPOWER-Grief program for perinatal loss in a group format. The study follows a
quasi
-experimental design, including an intervention group and a control group. Self-report instruments are used to monitor depressive, anxiety, trauma-related, and grief symptoms, with longitudinal assessment in both groups. Additionally, is conducted a
focus group
.
Results
This protocol may represent a feasible option for improving the quality of care provided following perinatal loss, even in under-resourced settings, and may also facilitate early identification and prevention of mental health disorders.
Conclusions
Perinatal loss is associated with significant distress and an increased risk of mental health disorders. The EMPOWER-Grief in perinatal loss group intervention constitutes a brief and structured program, adaptable to low-resource settings that can improve the quality of care provided after perinatal loss. The description of this protocol aims to support its implementation and replication, promoting a more integrated approach to perinatal mental health.
Clinical trial number:
The project protocol is published on Open Science Framework with the clinical trial number
Yqxg9
(DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/YQXG9). Registered on June 2, 2026.