P277 Patient and public involvement (PPI) exploring the experiences of women with gestational diabetes...

Published Date: 25th April 2023

Publication Authors: Gallagher CG, Christian S, Pankaja S, McNulty S, Davies H, Milne R, Bujawansa S

Aim
Gestational Diabetes (GDM) affects 1 in 23 UK pregnancies and can lead to adverse maternal & neonatal outcomes. PPI empowers those affected by a condition to influence future care. The aim of this project was to explore the experiences of GDM care for a group of women and their partners attending a joint diabetes antenatal clinic, to improve future care.

Methods
Women with GDM and their partners, attending a joint diabetes antenatal service between 2nd and 30th November 2021 were invited to take part in online meetings using Microsoft teams. Written transcripts were produced, and thematic analysis was used to identify common themes. Ethical approval was not required.

Results
Three themes emerged from nine participants including weight stigma, appointment delays, anxiety/distress. (1) Weight stigma: ‘weight gets mentioned by professionals but not mentioned, which makes it feel more judgy’. (2) Appointment delays: ‘appointments rarely run-on time’; ‘I thought the best thing to do was to cut out carbs, I wish I had that visit earlier’ (3) Anxiety/Distress: women feel ‘ashamed’ and ‘embarrassed’ at diagnosis. Partners feel that ‘family and friends tell you not to worry because it goes away when the baby's born- you hear conflicting messages’.

Conclusion
GDM can place a physical and psychological stress on women. PPI is an important factor to consider when reviewing current practice. Having meaningful conversations with women with GDM can address areas requiring change within joint diabetes antenatal services. Listening to our patients with GDM and their partners can drive improvements which are supportive and relevant to those accessing care.

 

Gallagher, CG; Christian, SC; Pankaja, SP; McNulty, SM; Davies, HD; Milne, RM; Bujawansa, SB. (2023). P277 Patient and public involvement (PPI) exploring the experiences of women with gestational diabetes attending a joint diabetes antenatal clinic. Diabetic Medicine. 40(S1), p.149. [Online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/dme.15048 [Accessed 31 July 2023]

 

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