The role of the fetal cardiac clinical nurse specialist: the Brompton model

Abstract

This article identifies the importance of the role of the fetal cardiac clinical nurse specialist in informing and supporting families through an antenatal fetal cardiac diagnosis. The model used at the Royal Brompton Hospital, London, to ensure the provision of standardised, high quality care to patients throughout their healthcare network is discussed. The challenges faced and guidance available to support such teams are also highlighted. Clinical practice models have been developed through field experience, considering guidance specifications, to direct fetal cardiology services in the provision of quality antenatal support, information and communication.