Gestational diabetes screening from the perspective of consumers: Insights from early in the COVID-19 pandemic and opportunities to optimise experiences

Emma Shipton; Nina Meloncelli; Michael D'Emden; H David McIntyre; Leonie Callaway; Adrian Barnett; Susan de Jersey

doi:10.1111/ajo.13600

Gestational diabetes screening from the perspective of consumers: Insights from early in the COVID-19 pandemic and opportunities to optimise experiences

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol. 2022 Aug 12. doi: 10.1111/ajo.13600. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Emma Shipton¹, Nina Meloncelli², Michael D'Emden³, H David McIntyre⁴, Leonie Callaway^{1

2}, Adrian Barnett⁵, Susan de Jersey^{2

6}

Affiliations

¹ Women's and Newborn Services Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
² Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Clinical Research and Perinatal Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
³ Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
⁴ Mater Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
⁵ Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health & Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
⁶ Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

PMID: 35962529
DOI: 10.1111/ajo.13600

Abstract

Background: Consumer perspectives are a cornerstone of value-based healthcare. Screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were among many of the rapid changes to health care recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes provided a unique opportunity to add information about women's perspectives on the debate on GDM screening.

Aims: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore women's perspectives and understanding of GDM screening and diagnosis comparing the modified COVID-19 recommendations to standard GDM screening and diagnostic practices.

Methods: Women who had experienced both the standard and modified GDM screening and diagnostic processes were recruited for telephone interviews. Data analysis used inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Online surveys were disseminated to any registrant not included in interviews to provide an opportunity for all interested participants to provide their perspective.

Results: Twenty-nine telephone interviews were conducted and 19 survey responses were received. Seven themes were determined: (1) information provision from clinicians; (2) acceptability of GDM screening; (3) individualisation of GDM screening methods; (4) safety nets to avoid a missed diagnosis; (5) informed decision making; (6) women want information and evidence; and (7) preferred GDM screening methods for the future.

Conclusions: Overall, women preferred the modified GDM screening recommendations put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their preference was influenced by their prior screening experience and perception of personal risk profile. Women expressed a strong need for clear communication from health professionals and the opportunity to be active participants in decision making.

Keywords: COVID-19; consumer; experiences; gestational diabetes mellitus; screening.

© 2022 The Authors. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Abstract

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