Effective Communication During and After an Amniotic Fluid Embolism

Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a life-threatening complication occurring during pregnancy, labor, or birth and is characterized by sudden cardio-respiratory collapse and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Amniotic fluid embolism is unpredictable, sudden, and complex. Amniotic fluid embolism is one of the causes of peripartum maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States. Nurses and other health care professionals responding to severe maternal events, such as an AFE, may experience trauma, which can lead to reduced executive functions, and challenges with memory, organization, prioritization, and emotional regulation. Amniotic fluid embolism patients and families also experience shock and trauma and may have a difficult time receiving and understanding information conveyed after the event. Communication frameworks commonly used in oncology and trauma settings have been successful in helping plan and guide the delivery of bad news while increasing patient and family understanding. Existing communication frameworks do not address the impact of perinatal nurse and health care professional trauma on their ability to communicate with their patients effectively. Based on feedback from the AFE survivors and clinicians, the AFE Foundation developed the AFE Effective Communication Guide. The Guide acknowledges and validates the impact of perinatal nurse and health care professional trauma and assists them in the planning and execution of effective, trauma-informed communication with patients and families after an AFE or other severe maternal events.