Primary care providers' experience in the management of paediatric type 1 diabetes in Western Sydney, New South Wales

Natasha Hardikar; Tamara Power; Gary M Leong; Anthony Liu; Habib Bhurawala

doi:10.31128/AJGP-03-22-6381

Primary care providers' experience in the management of paediatric type 1 diabetes in Western Sydney, New South Wales

Aust J Gen Pract. 2023 Jul;52(7):464-471. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-03-22-6381.

Authors

Natasha Hardikar¹, Tamara Power², Gary M Leong³, Anthony Liu⁴, Habib Bhurawala⁵

Affiliations

¹ BMED, Paediatric Registrar, The Children@s Hospital Westmead, Westmead, NSW; Clinical Associate Lecturer, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW; Former Resident Medical Officer, Department of Paediatrics, Nepean Hospital, Nepean Blue Mountain Local Health District, Kingswood, NSW.
² RN, BN(Hons), GradCertDiabEdM, PhD, Senior Lecturer, Chronic Conditions, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW.
³ MBBS, FRACP, PhD, Senior Staff Specialist in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Nepean Paediatric Diabetes Service, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, NSW; Senior Staff Specialist in Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatrics, Nepean Hospital, Nepean Blue Mountain Local Health District, Kingswood, NSW; Clinical Associate Professor, Discipline of Paediatrics, Nepean Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Kingswood, NSW.
⁴ MBBS MPH, MMedEd, DCH, FRACP, Senior Consultant Paediatrician, Department of Paediatrics, Nepean Hospital, Nepean Blue Mountain Local Health District, Kingswood, NSW; Senior Lecturer, Discipline of Paediatrics, Nepean Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Kingswood, NSW.
⁵ MBBS, DCH, FRACP, Head of@Paediatrics and Senior Staff Specialist Paediatrician,@Department of Paediatrics, Nepean Hospital, Nepean@Blue Mountain Local Health District, Kingswood,@NSW; Senior Clinical Lecturer, Discipline of@Paediatrics, Nepean Clinical School, Faculty of@Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Kingswood, NSW; Clinical Associate Professor,@University of Notre Dame, Sydney, NSW.

PMID: 37423244
DOI: 10.31128/AJGP-03-22-6381

Abstract

Background and objectives: It is unknown to what degree general practitioners (GPs) are able to diagnose and assist in the management of children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study examined the experiences of GPs when faced with paediatric T1D.

Method: A qualitative study using semistructured interviews was conducted with a sample of GPs in Western Sydney. Data were analysed thematically.

Results: Thirty GPs reported varied experiences with paediatric T1D. Two themes emerged: 'You don't think of T1D everyday' (GPs do not frequently encounter T1D) and 'We need to be equipped' (despite low patient numbers, GPs want to be able to recognise, refer and assist in the management of children with T1D).

Discussion: There is limited Australian research into GPs' ability to diagnose and manage children with T1D. This study highlights the current level of knowledge and referral practices of a sample of GPs.

MeSH terms

Attitude of Health Personnel
Australia
Child
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1* / diagnosis
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1* / therapy
Humans
New South Wales
Primary Health Care