Modified Delphi Study on Nursing Practice and Science in Fetal Care

Abstract

Objective: To identify essential structures, processes, outcomes, and challenges of nursing practice in fetal care and to identify research priorities for nurses in fetal care.

Design: We used a modified Delphi method to achieve consensus.

Setting: A secure online survey platform.

Participants: The expert panel included nurses from the Fetal Therapy Nurse Network. In addition, a multidisciplinary research jury included members of the North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet).

Methods: We collected data in three consecutive rounds with online questionnaires that were e-mailed to panelists. We used content analysis to generate statements from an initial round of open-ended questions. Statements met consensus if 75% of the panelists ranked it as greater than or equal to 6 on a 1-to-7 Likert scale.

Results: The 48 nurse panelists and 11 multidisciplinary jury members described a range of nursing processes. Consensus was reached on 96 statements related to the structure, processes, outcomes, and research priorities of nurses in fetal care.

Conclusion: The participants agreed that an expert fetal care nursing team is necessary to provide care to women and families during fetal diagnosis and treatment. Ideally, these nurses should coordinate care and provide direct clinical care (e.g., patient counseling) in outpatient prenatal settings and inpatient settings when fetal surgery is involved. Nurses should be supported to take on leadership roles in program development, research, quality improvement, and professional development with relevant professional organizations.

Keywords: Delphi study; fetal care; fetal intervention; fetal therapy; nursing practice; nursing science.