Fetal maternal case management

Multiple transfers, multiple specialists, and an unpredictable hospital course can result in ineffective communications among patients and the health care team. Complex care requirements easily become fragmented and lack coordination, thus overwhelming a family and even a well-intended multidisciplinary care delivery team. Because of this concern, the Greater Kansas City Fetal Board originated and implemented a new nursing case management model for high-risk obstetric and fetal patients. Fetal maternal case management crosses traditional hospital and provider boundaries with the pregnant patient. Case management allows parents to identify treatment options, and then create with specialists a plan of care. Case managers work with parents to identify support systems and explore parental preferences. The purpose of this article is to describe the fetal maternal case management model. Readers will better understand the need and value of such a program, as well as gain insight into how to facilitate fetal maternal case management.