Integrative Review of Nursing Practices in Fetal Therapy

Abstract

Objective: To synthesize nursing practices related to fetal therapy (intervention to correct or treat a fetal anomaly).

Data sources: We searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, OvidSP, and CINAHL, for all relevant published work. We identified additional resources through discussion with experts in the field, hand searches of relevant resources, and examination of the reference lists of articles in our search results.

Study selection: Any published literature about fetal therapy in which nursing practices were discussed by nurses.

Data extraction: We used Whittemore and Knafl's methodology to guide this integrative review (2005). We completed data extraction using an analytic review template organized to compare results to Kim's (2015) theoretical framework for nursing practice.

Data synthesis: We used qualitative techniques described by Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña (2014) to code and thematically interpret the data. Nurses described their contributions to the establishment of fetal therapy programs through the development of entirely new technical and caring skills and their work in relation to care quality, clinician education, ethics, research, and health policy. Data were synthesized under three philosophies of nursing practice: therapy, care, and professional work.

Conclusion: Nurses have made important contributions to the evolving practice of fetal therapy, a nuanced practice that is critical to the development and provision of comprehensive patient- and family-centered care. Clinical implications of this review include practical recommendations for enhanced support of nursing practice in fetal therapy, which includes the provision of reliable forums to learn and share feedback about nursing practice in this field. Future work should focus on increasing understanding and visibility of nursing in fetal therapy through interdisciplinary evidence-based practice development.

Keywords: fetal care center; fetal therapy; fetal treatment; integrative review; nursing practice; nursing research.