The 2019 Flemish consensus on screening for overt diabetes in early pregnancy and screening for gestational diabetes mellitus.

Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is important to improve pregnancy outcomes and to prevent type 2 diabetes after pregnancy. The 'International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups' (IADPSG) recommends a universal one-step approach with the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for screening of GDM. The IADPSG recommendation remains controversial due to the important increase in GDM prevalence and increased workload. After review of the latest evidence and based on data from the 'Belgian Diabetes in Pregnancy' study, members of the Diabetes Liga, the Flemish associations of general physicians (Domus Medica), obstetricians (VVOG), midwives (VVOB), diabetes nurse educators (BVVDV) and clinical chemists (RBSLM) have reached a new consensus on screening for GDM in Flanders. This new consensus recommends universal screening for overt diabetes when planning pregnancy or at the latest at first prenatal contact, preferably by measuring the fasting plasma glucose by using the same diagnostic criteria as in the non-pregnant state. In women with impaired fasting glycaemia, but also in normoglycemic obese women and women with a previous history of GDM, lifestyle counselling is advised with screening for GDM with a 75 g OGTT at 24 weeks. In all other women, we recommend a two-step screening strategy with a 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT) at 24 weeks followed by a 75 g OGTT when the glucose level 1 hour after the GCT ≥130 mg/dl. Diagnosis of GDM is made using the IADPSG criteria for GDM. Postpartum screening for subsequent glucose abnormalities should be advocated and organized for every woman with GDM.

Exploring the potential role of the advanced nurse practitioner within a care path for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

AIMS: To explore the experiences and expectations of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and general practitioners to develop the potential role of an advanced nurse practitioner at the diagnostic care path of abnormal fatigue developed for regional transmural implementation in the Belgian provinces of East and West Flanders. BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome experience an incapacitating chronic fatigue that is present for at least 6 months. Since many uncertainties exist about the causes and progression of the disease, patients have to cope with disbelief and scepticism. Access to health care may be hampered, which could lead to inappropriate treatments and guidance. DESIGN: Qualitative design. METHODS: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and general practitioners in Belgium. Data were collected over 9 months in 2014-2015. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis using open explorative thematic coding. RESULTS: Fifteen patients and 15 general practitioners were interviewed. Three themes were identified: mixed feelings with the diagnosis, lack of one central intermediator and insufficient coordination. Participants stressed the need for education, knowledge and an intermediator to provide relevant information at the right time and to build up a trust relationship. CONCLUSION: This qualitative exploration underscores some clear deficiencies in the guidance of patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome and abnormal fatigue. An advanced nurse practitioner as a central intermediator in the transmural care of these patients could promote interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary collaboration and effective communication, provide education and ensure a structured and coordinated approach.