The article focuses on a method for collecting qualitative data. The method is the asynchronous email interview. The authors assess the advantages, challenges and best practices of the asynchronous email interview method. They base their assessment on the academic literature and their own experiences using this data collection method in qualitative research on women who had experienced perinatal loss. The asynchronous email interview will never fully replace traditional face-to-face interviews, but it could gain a solid position as a qualitative research method thanks to its unique benefits.

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Introduction Working with bereaved parents is an immense challenge for professionals in the field of perinatal care and requires a high level of knowledge and skill. This article aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Perinatal Loss Care blended educational programme. Methods An evaluative assessment was carried out using a scored questionnaire to gather pre- and post-programme data. Participants were medical and healthcare professionals (n=200) who participated in the programme voluntarily (the Medical Professional/Motivated group and the Others group) or were selected by their employer and for whom attendance was mandatory (the Medical Professional/Non/Motivated group). Results Participants’ perception of their own knowledge and understanding of perinatal bereavement care was significantly higher on completion of the educational programme, proving its effectivity. There was a statistically significant effect on overall score in individual groups of respondents, as well as the whole set (p<0.001), with post-intervention scores higher than pre-intervention scores. No statistically significant differences in overall score were detected before participation in the educational programme in individual groups (p=0.204). Participants from the Medical Professional/Non/Motivated group achieved lower post-intervention scores to a significantly greater extent (p<0.05) and more often perceived the educational programme as being “very difficult” (χ2=20.66, df=6, P<0.01) compared to other groups. Conclusions The educational programme was assessed as effective. Care of bereaved parents has its specifics and healthcare professionals should possess a basic knowledge of how to provide sensitive care during this time.

The objective is to describe the experience of Czech mothers in terms of decision-making about visual and physical contact with a baby after perinatal loss, and also to explore the effect of this experience on the intensity of the mothers' grief after perinatal loss. Methods: A mixed method design using qualitative data from 18 in-depth interviews was used in the Czech Republic, as well as mixed qualitative and quantitative data from an internet based questionnaire. A total of 100 questionnaires were analyzed using "Interventions after Perinatal Loss" and the Czech version of "the Perinatal Grief Scale". Results: The decision making of women after perinatal loss over contact with their deceased baby is influenced by internal factors (the need of a woman to get to know her child, concerns and fear of contact) and external factors (emotional support for the woman, professional information and interventions of the midwife or doctor). Internal factors are often conflicting and the social environment has the decisive say. The research has proven that a mother's independent decision about contact with a baby after perinatal loss has significant impact on the intensity of her grief. The grief of mothers who decided independently and who were sure about their decision was statistically significantly less intense than in mothers for whom the decision had been made by medical staff. Conclusion: The results of our research reflect the professional uncertainty of Czech midwives taking care of mothers after perinatal loss. This is demonstrated in a majority of cases by a paternalistic approach to communication.