OBJECTIVES: to assess the quality of personal relationships between women enduring incomplete miscarriage and healthcare professionals during hospitalization. METHODS: exploratory case study using quality data analysis of women with incomplete miscarriage through observations and interviews from February to April, 2000. RESULTS: the personal relationship between client and professional is basically technical with no consideration of other female needs including the need for privacy and respect in the face of a problem many times not understood by healthcare professionals who during treatment are biased and judgmental in relation to the women under their care. CONCLUSIONS: the practice of healthcare professionals reflect the need to consider psychological and social issues in addition to biological ones, compatible with a more humane attitude desired by healthcare professionals in different proportions.
Incomplete abortion; Professional practice; Professional-patient relations; Women's health