Integrating preconception care for women with diabetes into primary care: a qualitative study
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Date
2010-11Author
Mortagy, I.
Kielmann, Karina
Baldeweg, S.
Modder, J.
Pierce, M.
Metadata
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Mortagy, I., Kielmann, K., Baldeweg, S., Modder, J. & Pierce, M. (2010) Integrating preconception care for women with diabetes into primary care: a qualitative study, British Journal of General Practice, vol. 60, , pp. 815-821,
Abstract
Background
National guidelines emphasise the need to deliver
preconception care to women of childbearing age.
However, uptake of the services among women with
diabetes in the UK is low. Questions arising include
how best to deliver preconception care and what the
respective roles of primary versus secondary
caregivers might be.
Aim
To explore the perspective of GPs and secondary care
health professionals on the role of GPs in delivering
preconception care to women with diabetes.
Design of study
Qualitative, cross-sectional study.
Setting
A London teaching hospital and GP practices in the
hospital catchment area.
Method
Semi-structured interviews with GPs and members of
the preconception care team in secondary care.
Thematic analysis using the framework approach.
Results
GPs and secondary care professionals differ in their
perception of the number of women with diabetes
requiring preconception care and the extent to which
preconception care should be integrated into GPs'
roles. Health professionals agreed that GPs have a
significant role to play and that delivery of
preconception care is best shared between primary
and secondary care. However, the lack of clear
guidelines and shared protocols detailing the GP's role
presents a challenge to implementing 'shared'
preconception care.
Conclusion
GPs should be more effectively involved in providing
preconception care to women with diabetes.
Organisational and policy developments are required to
support GPs in playing a role in preconception care.
This study's findings stress the importance of providing
an integrated approach to ensure continuity of care
and optimal pregnancy preparation for women with
diabetes.