Integrative Review of Nursing Practices in Fetal Therapy

Modified Delphi Study on Nursing Practice and Science in Fetal Care

“…Our research builds on the work of pioneering nurses in fetal care and examines the future of nursing practice in the field. The essential processes, structures, outcomes, and challenges described by the panelists and research jury members reflect many of those in the literature throughout the evolution of this specialized nursing practice (Wilpers et al, 2020). Panelists in this Delphi study have also advanced nursing science in fetal care through the establishment of research priorities to connect nursing practice with outcomes and care quality.…”

“…Nurses who practice in this field have been described as critical in the care of families during fetal diagnosis and intervention (Chock et al, 2015;Moise, 2014;Moon-Grady et al, 2017). For example, nurses played central roles in the evolution of fetal surgery by cofounding programs and pioneering the scientific exploration of the experiences of women and families (Emerson, 2013;Farrell, 2007;Wilpers et al, 2020). Nurses in fetal care have also been described as "someone the family trusts to 'know their story' and guide them-literally and figurativelythroughout the pregnancy" (Leuthner & Jones, 2007, p. 278).…”

“…Despite the steady contribution of nurses to fetal care, the practice and science of nursing in the field remain relatively unstudied. The work of fetal care nurses is often labeled as "care coordination," although evidence from a recent literature review supports a more nuanced depth and breadth across fetal care nursing roles (Wilpers et al, 2020). An exploration of the standards of nursing practice in fetal care is important to the development of nursing roles and their influence on health care and patient outcomes.…”

Fetal Intervention During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…This organization was started with the mission to promote excellence in fetal nursing through educational offerings, research, professional collaboration, and peer support. The FTNN is leading research into the continued growth of this nursing subspecialty and the nursing workforce development for fetal diagnosis and therapy centers (Wilpers et al, 2020). The FTNN vision is that all expectant families facing a fetal diagnosis will receive the highest quality and compassionate patient/family-centered nursing care (FTNN, n.d.).…”

“…For example, time-sensitive, evidence-based, and lifesaving fetal procedures may be at risk for deferment because of a misperception that they are elective or still experimental (Bahtiyar et al, 2020; Deprest et al, 2020). In addition, nursing practice in fetal intervention is a developing specialty that is not well understood by the broader healthcare community (Wilpers et al, 2020). Therefore, it is important to highlight the experiences and actions of nurses practicing in fetal intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”