Purpose for the program: Coordinationf of care for high risk obstetric patients and their babies is vital to promoting optimal neonatal outcomes.  Under the direction of Perinatologists and Neonatologists, the position of Perinatal-Neonatal Nurse Navigator was created.  The purpose of this position is to provide coordination of care to high risk obstetric patients whose babies have been diagnosed with a fetal anomaly or lethal diagnosis.

Proposed change:

Proposed Change:   A  Perinatal-Neonatal Nurse Navigator is a consistent contact person for the patient.  By meeting the patient in clinic during scheduled appointments, the patient has a support resource at the facility.  Coordination of care with the physicians involved in the care of the mother and the baby after delivery is also a priority for the nurse navigator.  A  perinatal  case list is utilized to maintain a record of the patient’s plan of care.

 Implementation, outcomes and evaluation:

Implementation, outcomes and evaluation:  Names of high risk obstetric patients are gathered   following their ultrasounds that indicates a fetal anomaly.  Initial meeting with the patient to introduce the Nurse Navigator and explain the role occurs during the next scheduled appointment.  Working under the direction of the perinatologists, prenatal pediatric specialty consults are arranged.  Tours of the facility, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, are also included.  Referrals to community resources are provided as identified.   

 The care provided by the nurse navigator is tailored to each patient.  A monthly multi-professional interdisciplinary team meeting has been developed to provide a forum for health professionals to come together to review complex cases and to coordinate plan of care.  Evaluation of the nurse navigator role is ongoing and ever changing to meet the needs of the patients. 

Implications for nursing practice:

Implications for nursing practice:  Nursing leadership  participate in the monthly interdisciplinary team meeting.  This exchange of information is vital to promote communication among team members and coordination of patient care.

Keywords: Coordination or care, promoting optimal outcomes, Nurse Navigator