Primary care physicians' perspectives on the identification and management of postnatal mental health problems.

BACKGROUND: Postnatal mental health problems (PMHPs) are prevalent and negatively affect mothers, children, and society. International and local guidelines recommend that Singapore primary care physicians (PCP) screen, assess, and manage mothers with PMHPs. However, little is known about their experiences and views. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 PCPs in Singapore. Interview questions elicited perspectives on the identification and management of mothers with PMHPs. The interview guide was developed from a conceptual framework incorporating the knowledge-attitudes-practices, self-efficacy, and socio-ecological models. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes. RESULTS: Singapore PCPs viewed themselves as key providers of first-contact care to mothers with PMHPs. They believed mothers preferred them to alternative providers because of greater accessibility and trust. In detection, they were vigilant in identifying at-risk mothers and favoured clinical intuition over screening tools. PCPs were confident in diagnosing common PMHPs and believed that mothers not meeting diagnostic criteria must be readily recognized and supported. In managing PMHPs, PCPs expressed varying confidence in prescribing antidepressants, which were viewed as second-line to supportive counselling and psychoeducation. Impeding physician factors, constraining practice characteristics and health system limitations were barriers. Looking forward, PCPs aspired to leverage technology and multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive, team-based care for the mother-child dyad. CONCLUSION: Singapore PCPs are key in identifying and managing mothers with PMHPs. To fully harness their potential in providing comprehensive care, PCPs need greater multidisciplinary support and technological solutions that promote remote disclosure and enhanced preparation for their role.

Patient perspectives of diabetes care in primary care networks in Singapore: a mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains an important chronic condition worldwide requiring integrated patient-centred care as advocated by the Chronic Care Model (CCM). The Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in Singapore organise general practitioners (GPs) with nurses and care coordinators to deliver team-based care for patients with chronic conditions. This study examined the quality of care in the PCNs as defined by the CCM from the patients' perspective. METHODS: This study followed a cross-sectional convergent mixed-method design with T2D patients across three PCN types (GP-led, Group, and Cluster). The Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC, range 1-5) was completed by a convenience sample of 343 patients. Multivariate linear regression was performed to estimate the associations between patient and service characteristics and PACIC summary score. Twenty-four participants were purposively recruited for interviews on the experienced care until thematic saturation was reached. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected concurrently and independently. Integration occurred during study design and data analysis using the CCM as guidance. Quantitative and qualitative results were compared side-by-side in a joint comparison table to develop key concepts supported by themes, subthemes, and patients' quotes. RESULTS: The PACIC mean summary score of 3.21 for 343 patients evidenced that some have received CCM consistent care in the PCNs. Being younger and spending more time with the GP were associated with higher PACIC summary scores. PACIC summary scores did not differ across PCN types. The 24 patients interviewed in the qualitative study reported receiving team-based care, nurse services, good continuity of care, as well as patient-centred care, convenient access, and affordable care. Key concepts showed that integrated care consistent with the CCM was sometimes received by patients in the PCNs. Patient activation, delivery system design/decision support, goal setting/tailoring, and problem-solving/contextual counselling were sometimes received by patients, while follow-up/coordination was generally not received. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with T2D from the Singapore Primary Care Networks received integrated care consistent with the Chronic Care Model, particularly in patient activation, delivery system design/decision support, goal setting/tailoring, and problem-solving/contextual counselling. Follow-up/coordination needed improvement to ensure higher quality of diabetes care.

A Tale of 3 Asian Cities: How is Primary Care Responding to COVID-19 in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Beijing.

Hong Kong, Singapore, and Beijing have some of the highest numbers of international arrivals and densest living spaces globally, yet these cities have reported low numbers of deaths amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Primary care has played different roles in each of the health systems in combatting the pandemic. Both Hong Kong and Singapore have a 2-tiered health system with the majority of primary care provided in the private sector. The primary care system in Beijing consists of community health facilities, township health centers, and village clinics. The role of primary care in Hong Kong includes using the public primary care clinics as part of an enhanced surveillance program together with accident and emergency departments, as well as triaging patients with suspected infection to hospitals. Singapore's response to COVID-19 has included close cooperation between redeveloped polyclinics and private and public health preparedness clinics to provide screening with swab tests for suspected cases in the primary care setting. Beijing's unique response has consisted of using online platforms for general practitioners to facilitate monitoring among community residents, as well as public health education and a mobilized pharmacy refill program to reduce risk of transmission. Established challenges, however, include shortages of personal protective equipment and the heavy workload for health care staff. Regardless, all 3 cities have demonstrated enhanced preparedness since experiencing the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic, and the responses of their primary care systems therefore may offer learning points for other countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How does multimorbidity affect middle-aged adults? A cross-sectional survey in the Singapore primary healthcare setting.

BACKGROUND: Multimorbidity is of increasing prevalence and importance. It has been associated with poorer health-related quality of life (HrQoL) especially in the elderly population. Despite substantial multimorbidity in the middle-aged population, defined as those aged between 40-64 years old, there is a paucity of research investigating the impact of multimorbidity in this population. This study aimed to investigate the association between multimorbidity and HrQoL in the middle-aged primary care population in Singapore. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a primary care centre in Singapore. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data regarding the participants' sociodemographic characteristics, chronic conditions, and HrQoL, as measured by the EuroQol five dimensions 3-levels questionnaire (EQ5D). We defined multimorbidity as the presence of three or more conditions, out of a list of 14 chronic conditions. The associations between multimorbidity and the components of the EQ5D were assessed using multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: The study included 297 participants, aged 40-64 years, of which 124 (41.7%) had multimorbidity. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, participants with multimorbidity had significantly lower EQ5D UI, (ß-coefficient - 0.064 (C.I -0.125, - 0.003), p = 0.04), but not significantly lower EQ5D VAS, (ß-coefficient - 0.045 (C.I 0.102, 0.012), p = 0.12). Additionally, participants with multimorbidity had higher odds (OR = 2.41, p = 0.01) of reporting problems due to pain/discomfort. CONCLUSION: Multimorbidity was not significantly associated with the overall health state, as measured by the EQ5D VAS, in middle-aged primary care patients. However, it was associated with the EQ5D UI which is a composite measure of five specific domains of HrQoL. Specifically, there was a statistically significant association between multimorbidity and the pain domain. Further studies are required to understand the relationship between multimorbidity and pain to enable physicians to better manage pain and HrQoL in this population.

The Patient Activation through Community Empowerment/Engagement for Diabetes Management (PACE-D) protocol: a non-randomised controlled trial of personalised care and support planning for persons living with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Personalised care and support planning (CSP) has been shown to improve diabetes outcomes, patient experience and provider morale in the care of persons living with diabetes. However, this has not been confirmed in controlled studies. Patient Activation through Community Empowerment/Engagement for Diabetes Management (PACE-D) is a pragmatic controlled trial that evaluates the effectiveness of personalised CSP in persons living with diabetes in the public primary care setting in Singapore. METHODS: Teamlet-empanelled patients with diabetes at four polyclinics are recruited for this study. Participants who attend either of the two Intervention clinics are sent their investigation results in a care planning letter (CPL) to prepare them for the CSP conversation. This conversation is facilitated by a trained CSP practitioner who engages them in discussion of concerns, goals and action plans, and documents their plans for subsequent review. Participants in the two Control clinics will receive standard diabetes care. Participants will complete two or more CSP conversations (Intervention) or regular consultations (Control) at the annual review visits within the 18 months of the study. The sample size is calculated at 1620 participants, with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures include patient activation (as measured by PAM-13) and changes in healthcare utilisation and cost. DISCUSSION: This study is a pragmatic trial that evaluates the effectiveness of personalised CSP in persons living with diabetes in a real world setting. It promises to provide insights with regard to the implementation of this model of care in Singapore and the region. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04288362. Retrospectively registered on 28 February 2020.

Are blood lipids associated with microvascular complications among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients? A cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China.

BACKGROUND: Although there are several studies to investigate the association between blood lipids and microvascular complications, these studies reported conflicting results. The aim of the current study was to explore the association between blood lipid parameters and the risk of microvascular complications, especially the dose-response association between them, among community patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Shanghai, China. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 community health service centers in Shanghai between December 2014 and December 2016.The associations between blood lipids and diabetic kidney disease (DKD) or diabetic retinopathy (DR) were assessed using multiple logistic regression. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was employed to estimate the dose-response relation of blood lipids and the risk of microvascular complications. RESULTS: A total of 3698 participants were included in the final analysis to study the association between blood lipids and DKD, wherein 33.2% of participants had DKD and 1374 were included for the analysis of the association between blood lipids and DR, wherein 23.2% of participants had DR. DKD odds ratio was increased by 1.16(95%CI,1.08-1.25), 1.21(95%CI,1.13-1.30), 1.18(95%CI,1.10-1.26) for comparing fourth to first quartiles of triglycerides (TG), TG/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non-HDL-C/HDL-C, respectively, and decreased by 0.83(95%CI,0.78-0.89) for comparing fourth to first quartiles of HDL-C. Furthermore, the dose-response association between TG, HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, non-HDL-C/HDL-C and the risk of DKD demonstrated turning points in TG of 1.90 mmol/L, HDL-C of 1.62 mmol/L, TG/HDL-C of 2.00, non-HDL-C/HDL-C of 3.09, respectively. However, no significant association was found between blood lipid parameters and DR. CONCLUSIONS: This community-based study indicated that TG, HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, non-HDL-C/HDL-C were independently associated with DKD but not DR.

Improving follow-up care for women with a history of gestational diabetes: perspectives of GPs and patients.

This paper investigates factors influencing women's engagement with diabetes preventative care after a pregnancy with gestational diabetes (GDM) from the perspectives of GPs and women and explores the role of the GP in that care. Qualitative research using semi-structured interviews with women who had experienced GDM (n=16) and GPs (n=18) were conducted and a thematic content analysis conducted. Women's interviews explored their experience of GDM, factors influencing, and engagement with, follow-up care for diabetes prevention and role of the GP in that care. GP interviews explored postnatal care provided to women with GDM, the role of the GP in that care and perceived factors influencing a mother's engagement in her self-care. Three themes were identified: (1) advice and testing; (2) role of the GP; and (3) barriers and enablers to care. Significant consensus about the role of the GP and barriers and enablers to care existed. Both groups believed post GDM follow-up is best done by GPs and suggested recall and reminders would improve care. GPs gave consistent exercise advice, but lacked consensus on follow-up testing, dietary and weight-loss advice. Women's health literacy influenced how they viewed their GPs role. Consensus guidelines on follow-up testing and diabetes prevention advice, tailored advice according to health literacy and addressing barriers to care would likely improve the capacity of GPs to prevent unnecessary conversion to type 2 diabetes in these at-risk women.

Factors associated with relational coordination between health professionals involved in insulin initiation in the general practice setting for people with type 2 diabetes.

AIM: To examine associations between characteristics of general practice settings and primary healthcare providers (general practitioners and practice nurses) and the degree of relational coordination for the task of insulin initiation for type 2 diabetes between primary healthcare providers and diabetes specialists. BACKGROUND: Relational coordination is a component of effective chronic disease management and can be used to measure collaboration and communication between health professionals. High levels of relational coordination may be important to support insulin initiation in general practice. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Surveys were completed by general practitioners and practice nurses participating in the Stepping Up trial. Data on demographics, practice characteristics and relational coordination were collected between October 2012-June 2014. Univariate and multivariate analyses examined factors associated with relational coordination. RESULTS: General practitioners (n = 174) and 115 practice nurses from 78 general practices were included in the analysis. General practice characteristics associated with relational coordination were geographical location and number of administrative staff. Female general practitioners and older practice nurses reported lower relational coordination. Practice nurses with diabetes educator qualifications and experience in insulin initiation reported higher relational coordination. CONCLUSION: An expanded role and experience of practice nurses in diabetes care increased relational coordination and has the potential to deliver more effective chronic disease management in general practice. Practice and health professional characteristics should be taken into account when designing models of care to increase insulin initiation.

Potentially preventable hospitalisations: are they a useful marker of access to and experience of care in general practice among people with type 2 diabetes?

The aim of the present study was to explore access to and experience of care in general practice among patients admitted to hospital with a type 2 diabetes mellitus-related potentially preventable hospitalisation (PPH). Forty-eight patients admitted to two public hospitals in the north and west of Melbourne completed a survey and 13 patients were interviewed. Patients generally had long-standing diabetes with multimorbidity and were relatively socioeconomically disadvantaged. Nearly two-thirds reported more than one hospital admission in the prior 12 months, and 74% of respondents were able to access theirpreferred general practitioner (GP) on either the same or next day. Emotional support, time and continuity of care with their GP were important to patients, but they recognised many patient barriers to optimal care, including self-management and social and economic factors. Patients that accessed specialist care perceived that GPs had limited role in their disease management. Although the patients in this study experienced good access to care, they also identified several factors that were arguably outside the scope of general practice management, indicating that their admissions to hospital may not have been avoidable.

Stepping up: a nurse-led model of care for insulin initiation for people with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Most people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have glycaemic levels outside of target. Insulin is effective in improving glycaemia and most people with T2D eventually need this. Despite this, transition to insulin therapy is often delayed in primary care. OBJECTIVE: To develop a model of care (Stepping Up) for insulin initiation in routine diabetes care in Australian general practice. To evaluate the model for feasibility of integration within routine general practice care. METHODS: Drawing on qualitative work and normalisation process theory, we developed a model of care that included clarification of roles, in-practice systems and simple clinical tools. The model was introduced in an educational and practice system change intervention for general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses (PNs). Five practices (seven GPs and five PNs) and 18 patients formed the feasibility study. Evaluation at 3 and 12 months explored experiences of GPs, PNs and patients. RESULTS: Fourteen patients commenced insulin, with average HbA1c falling from 8.4% (68.3 mmol/mol) to 7.5% (58.5 mmol/mol) at 3 months. Qualitative evaluation highlighted how the model of care supported integration of the technical work of insulin initiation within ongoing generalist GP care. Ensuring peer support for patients and issues of clinical accountability and flexibility, managing time and resources were highlighted as important. CONCLUSIONS: The Stepping Up model allowed technical care to be embedded within generalist whole-person care, supported clinicians and practice system to overcome clinical inertia and supported patients to make the timely transition to insulin. Testing of the model's effectiveness is now underway.

Relational coordination amongst health professionals involved in insulin initiation for people with type 2 diabetes in general practice: an exploratory survey.

BACKGROUND: The majority of people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) receive their care in general practice and will eventually require initiation of insulin as part of their management. However, this is often delayed and frequently involves referral to specialists. If insulin initiation is to become more frequent and routine within general practice, coordination of care with specialist services may be required. Relational coordination (RC) provides a framework to explore this. The aim of this study was to explore RC between specialist physicians, specialist diabetes nurses (DNEs), generalist physicians in primary care (GPs) and generalist nurses (practice nurses (PNs)) and to explore the association between RC and the initiation of insulin in general practice, and the belief that it is appropriate for this task to be carried out in general practice. METHODS: A survey was distributed to a convenience sample of specialist physicians, DNEs, GPs and practice nurses. We collected data on demographics, models of care and RC in relation to insulin initiation. We expected that RC would be higher between specialists than between specialists and generalists. We expected higher RC between specialists and generalists to be associated with insulin initiation in general practice and with the belief that it is appropriate for insulin initiation to be carried out in general practice. We used descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests to explore these hypotheses. RESULTS: 179 health professionals returned completed surveys. Specialists reported higher RC with each other and lower RC with PNs. All groups except PNs reported their highest RC with DNEs, suggesting the potential for DNEs to serve as boundary spanners. Lower RC with specialists was reported by those working within a general practice model of care. Health professionals who felt that a general practice model was appropriate reported lower communication with specialist physicians and higher shared knowledge with GPs. CONCLUSION: Given the need for coordination between specialist and generalist care for the task of insulin initiation, this study's results suggest the need to build relationships and communication between specialist and generalist health professional groups and the potential for DNE's to play a boundary spanner role in this process.

Roles and relationships between health professionals involved in insulin initiation for people with type 2 diabetes in the general practice setting: a qualitative study drawing on relational coordination theory.

BACKGROUND: The majority of care for people with type 2 diabetes occurs in general practice, however when insulin initiation is required it often does not occur in this setting or in a timely manner and this may have implications for the development of complications. Increased insulin initiation in general practice is an important goal given the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and a relative shortage of specialists. Coordination between primary and secondary care, and between medical and nursing personnel, may be important in achieving this. Relational coordination theory identifies key concepts that underpin effective interprofessional work: communication which is problem solving, timely, accurate and frequent and relationships between professional roles which are characterized by shared goals, shared knowledge and mutual respect. This study explores roles and relationships between health professionals involved in insulin initiation in order to gain an understanding of factors which may impact on this task being carried out in the general practice setting. METHOD: 21 general practitioners, practice nurses, diabetes nurse educators and physicians were purposively sampled to participate in a semi-structured interview. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using framework analysis. RESULTS: There were four closely interlinked themes identified which impacted on how health professionals worked together to initiate people with type 2 diabetes on insulin: 1. Ambiguous roles; 2. Uncertain competency and capacity; 3. Varying relationships and communication; and 4. Developing trust and respect. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that insulin initiation is generally recognised as acceptable in general practice. The role of the DNE and practice nurse in this space and improved communication and relationships between health professionals across organisations and levels of care are factors which need to be addressed to support this clinical work. Relational coordination provides a useful framework for exploring these issues.

An exploratory trial of insulin initiation and titration among patients with type 2 diabetes in the primary care setting with retrospective continuous glucose monitoring as an adjunct: INITIATION study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Insulin initiation and titration in primary care is necessary to respond to the growing epidemic of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The INITIATION study aims to evaluate the impact of implementing a new model of care with Primary Care Physician and Practice Nurse (PN) teams supported by a Credentialed Diabetes Educator-Registered Nurse (CDE-RN) and endocrinologist in initiating and titrating basal and prandial insulin for T2D patients in the Australian healthcare system over 24 weeks. This study also explores the feasibility and efficacy of retrospective continuous glucose monitoring (r-CGM) in comparison with self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) among people with T2D in primary care. METHODS/DESIGN: The study employs a before and after design with a nested exploratory trial of SMBG and r-CGM. A total of 102 insulin naïve T2D patients with a glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level of >7.5% in the previous 6 months while treated with maximal oral therapy will be recruited and screened from 22 primary care practices in Melbourne, Australia. All patients will be commenced on a basal insulin regimen following randomization into one of the two blood glucose monitoring arms, with intensification to a "basal plus" regimen if required. The outcomes of the new model of care will be benchmarked with data collected over the same period from a specialist setting in Melbourne, Australia. DISCUSSION: This article describes the study protocol and insulin treatment algorithm employed in the first study to explore r-CGM use among T2D in primary care. Findings from the INITIATION study will inform development of a larger randomized controlled trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12610000797077.

Integrated patient-centred care for type 2 diabetes in Singapore Primary Care Networks: a mixed-methods study.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with type 2 diabetes require patient-centred care as guided by the Chronic Care Model (CCM). Many diabetes patients in Singapore are managed by the Primary Care Networks (PCNs) which organised healthcare professionals (HCPs) comprising general practitioners, nurses and care coordinators into teams to provide diabetes care. Little is known about how the PCNs deliver care to people with type 2 diabetes. This study evaluated the consistency of diabetes care delivery in the PCNs with the CCM. DESIGN: This was a mixed-method study. The Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (ACIC version 3.5) survey was self-administered by the HCPs in the quantitative study (ACIC scores range 0-11, the latter indicating care delivery most consistent with CCM). Descriptive statistics were obtained, and linear mixed-effects regression model was used to test for association between independent variables and ACIC total scores. The qualitative study comprised semi-structured focus group discussions and used thematic analysis. SETTING: The study was conducted on virtual platforms involving the PCNs. PARTICIPANTS: 179 HCPs for quantitative study and 65 HCPs for qualitative study. RESULTS: Integrated analysis of quantitative and qualitative results found that there was support for diabetes care consistent with the CCM in the PCNs. The mean ACIC total score was 5.62 (SD 1.93). The mean element scores ranged from 6.69 (SD 2.18) (Health System Organisation) to 4.91 (SD 2.37) (Community Linkages). The qualitative themes described how the PCNs provided much needed diabetes services, their characteristics such as continuity of care, patient-centred care; collaborating with community partners, financial aspects of care, enablers for and challenges in performing care, and areas for enhancement. CONCLUSION: This mixed-methods study informs that diabetes care delivery in the Singapore PCNs is consistent with the CCM. Future research should consider using independent observers in the quantitative study and collecting objective data such as patient outcomes.

Personalised care and support planning in Singapore: qualitative interviews with people living with diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Personalised care and support planning (CSP) is a person-centred approach for the care of people living with long-term conditions. Patient Activation through Community Empowerment/Engagement for Diabetes Management (PACE-D) adapts the Year of Care Partnerships (YOCP) approach to CSP in the UK for people living with diabetes at Singapore polyclinics. Polyclinics are multi-storey primary care hubs that provide affordable, multidisciplinary, comprehensive, and high-throughput public health care for the multi-ethnic, multilingual Singapore population. AIM: To explore the experience of PACE-D-enrolled people living with diabetes with personalised CSP at Singapore polyclinics. DESIGN & SETTING: Qualitative interviews of people living with diabetes who experienced personalised CSP at National University Polyclinics (NUP) in Singapore between July 2020 and November 2021. METHOD: PACE-D-enrolled people living with diabetes who experienced personalised CSP were purposively sampled. In-depth semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients participated in the study. Four main themes were identified. Theme 1 was the importance of the care-planning letter. Patients reported that the CPL prompted reflection and patient preparation for CSP conversations. Theme 2 was the role of the programme coordinator. PACE-D programme coordinators amplified self-management by playing advocate and confidant beyond administrative duties. Theme 3 was the value of the personalised CSP conversation. CSP providers were perceived as partners in care, with more time to listen compared with usual consultations. Patient engagement was affected by language confidence. Theme 4 was agency in self-management. With adequate time and support, patients increased in confidence and agency both in CSP engagement and diabetes self-management. CONCLUSION: While language confidence may affect patient engagement, personalised CSP shows promise for strengthening patient engagement and self-management among people living with diabetes at Singapore polyclinics.

A holistic lifestyle mobile health intervention for the prevention of type 2 diabetes and common mental disorders in Asian women with a history of gestational diabetes: a randomised control trial with 3-year follow-up protocol.

BACKGROUND: Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are 12-fold more likely to develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) 4-6 years after delivery than women without GDM. Similarly, GDM is associated with the development of common mental disorders (CMDs) (e.g. anxiety and depression). Evidence shows that holistic lifestyle interventions focusing on physical activity (PA), dietary intake, sleep, and mental well-being strategies can prevent T2D and CMDs. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a holistic lifestyle mobile health intervention (mHealth) with post-GDM women in preventing T2D and CMDs in a community setting in Singapore. METHODS: The study consists of a 1-year randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a 3-year follow-up period. Post-GDM women with no current diabetes diagnosis and not planning to become pregnant will be eligible for the study. In addition, participants will complete mental well-being questionnaires (e.g. depression, anxiety, sleep) and their child's socio-emotional and cognitive development. The participants will be randomised to either Group 1 (Intervention) or Group 2 (comparison). The intervention group will receive the "LVL UP App", a smartphone-based, conversational agent-delivered holistic lifestyle intervention focused on three pillars: Move More (PA), Eat Well (Diet), and Stress Less (mental wellbeing). The intervention consists of health literacy and psychoeducational coaching sessions, daily "Life Hacks" (healthy activity suggestions), slow-paced breathing exercises, a step tracker (including brisk steps), a low-burden food diary, and a journaling tool. Women from both groups will be provided with an Oura ring for tracking physical activity, sleep, and heart rate variability (a proxy for stress), and the "HAPPY App", a mHealth app which provides health promotion information about PA, diet, sleep, and mental wellbeing, as well as display body mass index, blood pressure, and results from the oral glucose tolerance tests. Short-term aggregate effects will be assessed at 26/27 weeks (midpoint) and a 1-year visit, followed by a 2, 3, and 4-year follow-up period. DISCUSSION: High rates of progression of T2D and CMDs in women with post-GDM suggest an urgent need to promote a healthy lifestyle, including diet, PA, sleep, and mental well-being. Preventive interventions through a holistic, healthy lifestyle may be the solution, considering the inextricable relationship between physical and psychological health. We expect that holistic lifestyle mHealth may effectively support behavioural changes among women with a history of GDM to prevent T2D and CMDs. TRIAL STATUS: The protocol study was approved by the National Healthcare Group in Singapore, Domain Specific Review Board (DSRB) [2023/00178]; June 2023. Recruitment began on October 18, 2023. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05949957. The first submission date is June 08, 2023.

The "cost" of treating to target: cross-sectional analysis of patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes in Australian general practice.

BACKGROUND: To describe the current treatment gap in management of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes in general practice as well as the associated financial and therapeutic burden of pharmacological treatment. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of data from the Patient Engagement and Coaching for Health trial. This totalled 473 patients from 59 general practices with participants eligible if they had HbA1c > 7.5%. Main outcome measures included proportions of patients not within target risk factor levels and weighted average mean annual cost for cardiometabolic medications and factors associated with costs. Medication costs were derived from the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule. RESULTS: Average age was 63 (range 27-89). Average HbA1c was 8.1% and average duration of diabetes was 10 years. 35% of patients had at least one micro or macrovascular complication and patients were taking a mean of 4 cardio-metabolic medications. The majority of participants on treatment for cardiovascular risk factors were not achieving clinical targets, with 74% and 75% of patients out of target range for blood pressure and lipids respectively. A significant proportion of those not meeting clinical targets were not on treatment at all. The weighted mean annual cost for cardiometabolic medications was AUD$1384.20 per patient (2006-07). Independent factors associated with cost included age, duration of diabetes, history of acute myocardial infarction, proteinuria, increased waist circumference and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment rates for cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes in our participants are higher than those identified in earlier studies. However, rates of achieving target levels remain low despite the large 'pill burden' and substantial associated fiscal costs to individuals and the community. The complexities of balancing the overall benefits of treatment intensification against potential disadvantages for patients and health care systems in primary care warrants further investigation.

Utilization of Nurse-Administered Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment in a Brief Psychiatric Inpatient Unit.

BACKGROUND: Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) has been established as an effective screening tool for providing interventions for patients with risky substance use. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this project were to train and coach staff nurses in the use of SBIRT, offer SBIRT to all admissions of a brief psychiatric inpatient unit, and decrease readmission rates. DESIGN: Using the Iowa Model for Implementing Evidence-Based Practices, SBIRT was implemented on the unit. Data were collected on the frequency of patients offered SBIRT and readmission rates. RESULTS: Fifty-nine percent of all admissions were offered SBIRT. The average readmission rates decreased by 18.3% for the first 2 months of implementation and by 67.5% for Days 16-31 postdischarge. CONCLUSIONS: SBIRT is an effective tool for nurses on psychiatric units to address substance use and to decrease readmission rates.