A cost-effectiveness evaluation of a dietitian-delivered telephone coaching program during pregnancy for preventing gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a telehealth coaching intervention to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to calculate the breakeven point of preventing GDM. METHODS: Data to inform the economic evaluation model was sourced directly from the large quaternary hospital in Brisbane, where the Living Well during Pregnancy (LWdP) program was implemented, and further supplemented with literature-based estimates where data had not been directly collected in the trial. A cost-effectiveness model was developed using a decision tree framework to estimate the potential for cost savings and quality of life improvement. A total of 1,315 pregnant women (49% with a BMI 25-29.9, and 51% with a BMI ≥ 30) were included in the analyses. RESULTS: The costs of providing routine care and routine care plus LWdP coaching intervention to pregnant women were calculated to be AUD 20,933 and AUD 20,828, respectively. The effectiveness of the LWdP coaching program (0.894 utility) was slightly higher compared to routine care (0.893). Therefore, the value of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was negative, and it indicates that the LWdP coaching program is a dominant strategy to prevent GDM in pregnant women. We also performed a probabilistic sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulation through 1,000 simulations. The ICE scatter plot showed that the LWdP coaching intervention was dominant over routine care in 93.60% of the trials using a willingness to pay threshold of AUD 50,000. CONCLUSION: Findings support consideration by healthcare policy and decision makers of telehealth and broad-reach delivery of structured lifestyle interventions during pregnancy to lower short-term costs associated with GDM to the health system.

Co-designing The Healthy Gut Diet for Preventing Gestational Diabetes: Co-design methods and process outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common and costly condition of pregnancy. The Healthy Gut Diet for Preventing Gestational Diabetes study is a novel randomised controlled trial that aims to prevent GDM through a diet that modulates the gut microbiota for pregnant women with GDM risk factors. Despite increasing interest in co-designing interventions with consumers (lived experience experts), co-design methods and outcomes are often poorly reported. The present study aims to report on the co-design process used to develop The Healthy Gut Diet intervention. METHODS: Co-design occurred across three online workshops with consumer participants (women with a lived experience of GDM, n = 11), researchers (n = 6) and workshop co-facilitators (including a consumer co-facilitator, n = 2). The workshops explored women's preferences for the mode and length of education sessions, as well as the types of information and supportive resources women wanted to receive, and undertook a "behaviour diagnosis" to understand barriers and enablers to the target behaviours (eating for gut health). The final intervention is reported according to the Template for Intervention Description and Replication. RESULTS: A co-designed dietary intervention (The Healthy Gut Diet), delivered via telehealth, with a suite of educational and supportive resources that integrates published behaviour change techniques, was developed. Generally, the co-design process was reported as a positive experience based on participant feedback and evidenced by no participant dropouts over the 3-month study period. CONCLUSIONS: Co-design is recognised as a process that creates a partnership between lived experience experts and researchers who can engage and empower research recipients and improve health behaviours.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antenatal care provision and associated mental health, obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed many challenges on pregnant women, including rapid changes to antenatal care aimed at reducing the societal spread of the virus. This study aimed to assess how the pandemic affected perinatal mental health and other pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in a tertiary unit in Queensland, Australia. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women booked for care between March 2019 - June 2019 and March 2020 - June 2020. A total of 1984 women were included with no confirmed cases of COVID-19. The primary outcome of this study was adverse maternal mental health defined as an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of ≥13 or an affirmative response to 'EPDS Question 10'. Secondary outcomes were preterm birth <37 weeks and <32 weeks, mode of birth, low birth weight, malpresentation in labour, hypertensive disease, anaemia, iron/vitamin B12 deficiency, stillbirth and a composite of neonatal morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: There were no differences in the primary perinatal mental health outcomes. The rates of composite adverse neonatal outcomes (27 vs. 34 %, p<0.001) during the pandemic were higher; however, there was no difference in perinatal mortality (p=1.0), preterm birth (p=0.44) or mode of delivery (p=0.38). CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no adverse consequences on maternal mental health during the pandemic, there was a concerning increase in neonatal morbidity potentially due to the altered model of maternity care implemented in the early COVID-19 pandemic.

A prospective observational evaluation of an online health care professional training program to promote healthy pregnancy weight gain.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: A lack of programs to develop clinician knowledge and confidence to address weight gain within pregnancy is a barrier to the provision of evidence-based care. AIM: To examine the reach and effectiveness of the Healthy Pregnancy Healthy Baby online health professional training program. METHODS: A prospective observational evaluation applied the reach and effectiveness elements of the RE-AIM framework. Health professionals from a range of disciplines and locations were invited to complete questionnaires before and after program completion assessing objective knowledge and perceived confidence around aspects of supporting healthy pregnancy weight gain, and process measures. RESULTS: There were 7577 views across all pages over a year period, accessed by participants across 22 Queensland locations. Pre- and post- training questionnaires were completed 217 and 135 times, respectively. The proportion of participants with scores over 85% and of 100% for objective knowledge was higher post training (P ≤ .001). Perceived confidence improved across all areas for 88%-96% of those who completed the post- training questionnaire. All respondents would recommend the training to others. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians from a range of disciplines, experience and locations accessed and valued the training, and knowledge of, and confidence in delivering care to support healthy pregnancy weight gain improved after completion. SO WHAT?: This effective program to build the capacity of clinicians to support healthy pregnancy weight gain offers a model for online, flexible training highly valued by clinicians. Its adoption and promotion could standardise the support provided to women to encourage healthy weight gain during pregnancy.

Dietary supplements, guideline alignment and biochemical nutrient status in pregnancy: Findings from the Queensland Family Cohort pilot study.

In high-income nations, multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplementation during pregnancy is a common practice. We aimed to describe maternal characteristics associated with supplement use and daily dose of supplemental nutrients consumed in pregnancy, and whether guideline alignment and nutrient status are related to supplement use. The Queensland Family Cohort is a prospective, Australian observational longitudinal study. Maternal characteristics, nutrient intake from food and supplements, and biochemical nutrient status were assessed in the second trimester (n = 127). Supplement use was reported by 89% of participants, of whom 91% reported taking an MMN supplement. Participants who received private obstetric care, had private health insurance and had greater alignment to meat/vegetarian alternatives recommendations were more likely to report MMN supplement use. Private obstetric care and general practitioner shared care were associated with higher daily dose of supplemental nutrients consumed compared with midwifery group practice. There was high reliance on supplements to meet nutrient reference values for folate, iodine and iron, but only plasma folate concentrations were higher in MMN supplement versus nonsupplement users. Exceeding the upper level of intake for folic acid and iron was more likely among combined MMN and individual supplement/s users, and associated with higher plasma concentrations of the respective nutrients. Given the low alignment with food group recommendations and potential risks associated with high MMN supplement use, whole food diets should be emphasized. This study confirms the need to define effective strategies for optimizing nutrient intake in pregnancy, especially among those most vulnerable where MMN supplement use may be appropriate.

Gestational diabetes mellitus screening and diagnosis criteria before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective pre-post study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether perinatal outcomes after excluding gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on the basis of fasting venous plasma glucose (FVPG) assessment during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020 were similar to those during the preceding year after excluding GDM using the standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) procedure. DESIGN: Retrospective pre-post study. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: All women who gave birth in Queensland during 1 July - 31 December 2019 and 1 July - 31 December 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perinatal (maternal and neonatal) outcomes for pregnant women assessed for GDM, by assessment method (2019: OGTT/glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c ] assessment; 2020: GDM could be excluded by an FVPG value below 4.7 mmol/L). RESULTS: 3968 of 29 113 pregnant women in Queensland during 1 July - 31 December 2019 (13.6%) were diagnosed with GDM, and 4029 of 28 778 during 1 July - 31 December 2020 (14.0%). In 2020, FVPG assessments established GDM in 216 women (1.1%) and excluded it in 1660 (5.8%). The frequencies of most perinatal outcomes were similar for women without GDM in 2019 and those for whom it was excluded in 2020 on the basis of FVPG values; the exception was caesarean delivery, for which the estimated probability increase in 2020 was 3.9 percentage points (95% credibility interval, 2.2-5.6 percentage points), corresponding to an extra 6.5 caesarean deliveries per 1000 births. The probabilities of several outcomes - respiratory distress, neonatal intensive care or special nursery admission, large for gestational age babies - were about one percentage point higher for women without GDM in 2020 (excluding those diagnosed on the basis of FVPG assessment alone) than for women without GDM in 2019. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying women at low absolute risk of gestational diabetes-related pregnancy complications on the basis of FVPG assessment as an initial step in GDM screening could reduce the burden for pregnant women and save the health system substantial costs.

Co-designing nutrition interventions with consumers: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: There is little known about nutrition intervention research involving consumer co-design. The aim of this scoping review was to identify and synthesise the existing evidence on the current use and extent of consumer co-design in nutrition interventions. METHODS: This scoping review is in line with the methodological framework developed by Arksey and O'Malley and refined by the Joanna Briggs Institute using an adapted 2weekSR approach. We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycInfo, CINAHL and Cochrane. Only studies that included consumers in the co-design and met the 'Collaborate' or 'Empower' levels of the International Association of Public Participation's Public Participation Spectrum were included. Studies were synthesised according to two main concepts: (1) co-design for (2) nutrition interventions. RESULTS: The initial search yielded 8157 articles, of which 19 studies were included (comprising 29 articles). The studies represented a range of intervention types and participants from seven countries. Sixteen studies were published in the past 5 years. Co-design was most often used for intervention development, and only two studies reported a partnership with consumers across all stages of research. Overall, consumer involvement was not well documented. No preferred co-design framework or approach was reported across the various studies. CONCLUSIONS: Consumer co-design for nutrition interventions has become more frequent in recent years, but genuine partnerships with consumers across all stages of nutrition intervention research remain uncommon. There is an opportunity to improve the reporting of consumer involvement in co-design and enable equal partnerships with consumers in nutrition research.

Factors associated with higher risk of small-for-gestational-age infants in women treated for gestational diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Previously, management of gestational diabetes (GDM) has focused largely on glycaemic control, with a view to reduce the occurrence of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants. However, tight glycaemic control in GDM is associated with a higher incidence of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants, which has been linked to higher rates of adverse outcomes. AIM: The aim was to characterise risk factors associated with having an SGA infant in women being treated for GDM. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational cohort study of 308 women with GDM. Women were split into groups based on their infant's size at delivery (SGA, appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) or LGA). Literature review and expert opinion helped to determine several predictors of women with GDM delivering an SGA infant, and statistical analysis was used to produce odds ratios (OR) for these predictors. RESULTS: The sample included primiparous women with a mean pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 25.72 (standard deviation: 5.75). Metabolic risk factors associated with delivering an SGA infant included a lower pre-pregnancy BMI (adjusted OR 1.13, P = 0.04, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.26), a lower fasting blood glucose level (BGL) (adjusted OR: 3.21, P = 0.01, 95% CI: 1.30-7.93) and growth that was high risk for SGA at baseline ultrasound scan (USS) (adjusted OR: 7.43, P < 0.001, 95% CI: 2.93-18.79). CONCLUSIONS: The combined clinical picture of lower pre-pregnancy BMI, fasting BGL and baseline USS growth measurements may indicate a need for less aggressive glucose management in women with GDM to prevent SGA infants.

Understanding workforce needs of allied health staff in regional cancer care centres: Informing recruitment and succession planning.

OBJECTIVE: To describe: (1) the type and frequency of interventions undertaken by regional cancer specialist Allied Health Professionals (AHPs); and (2) regional generalist AHPs' exposure and confidence in undertaking these interventions. DESIGN: Multiphase, observational study including a prospective study and a cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Two regional Queensland Hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Cancer specialist AHPs (n = 13 in a prospective study; n = 7 in a cross-sectional survey) and generalist AHPs (n = 36 in a cross-sectional survey), across six disciplines from two regional hospitals and cancer services. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Phase 1: Frequency of cancer care AHP occasions of service and interventions. Phase 2: Current practice in cancer care AHP interventions; confidence; access to training, professional development and mentorship; barriers to working in cancer care, among cancer care and generalist AHPs. RESULTS: Over 10-months, cancer care AHPs collectively delivered 12 393 interventions across 8850 occasions of service. Only four cancer care interventions were exclusively or predominantly carried out by cancer care AHPs-laryngectomy pre-operative counselling, laryngectomy rehabilitation and tracheostomy management (speech pathology) and lymphoedema management (physiotherapy). Generalist AHPs reported slightly lower confidence across all tasks if asked to carry out known interventions in a cancer setting compared with familiar settings. The primary perceived barrier to working in cancer care was lack of skills/experience/training reported by most CC AHPs, generalist Physiotherapists and Speech Pathologists, but not other generalist AHPs. CONCLUSION: There was a significant overlap in interventions undertaken in the cancer care and generalist setting for AHPs. Appropriate on-boarding to contextualise interventions to cancer care is recommended to overcome reported lower confidence.

A theory driven, pragmatic trial implementing changes to routine antenatal care that supports recommended pregnancy weight gain.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of weight gain outside recommendations is a challenge for health services, with several barriers to best practice care identified. The aim of this pragmatic implementation study with a historical control was to examine the impact of implementing a service wide education program, and antenatal care pregnancy weight gain chart combined with brief advice on women's knowledge of recommended gestational weight gain (GWG), the advice received and actual GWG. METHODS: The PRECEDE PROCEED Model of Health Program planning guided intervention and evaluation targets and an implementation science approach facilitated service changes. Pregnant women < 22 weeks' gestation attending the antenatal clinic at a metropolitan birthing hospital in Australia were recruited pre (2010, n = 715) and post (2016, n = 478) implementation of service changes. Weight measurements and questionnaires were completed at recruitment and 36 weeks' gestation. Questionnaires assessed advice received from health professionals related to healthy eating, physical activity, GWG, and at recruitment only, pre-pregnancy weight and knowledge of GWG recommendations. RESULTS: Women who correctly reported their recommended GWG increased from 34% (pre) to 53% (post) (p < 0.001). Between pre and post implementation, the advice women received from midwives on recommended GWG was significantly improved at both recruitment- and 36-weeks' gestation. For normal weight women there was a reduction in GWG (14.2 ± 5.3 vs 13.3 ± 4.7 kg, p = 0.04) and clinically important reduction in excess GWG between pre and post implementation (31% vs 24%, p = 0.035) which remained significant after adjustment (AOR 0.53 [95%CI 0.29-0.96]) (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Service wide changes to routine antenatal care that address identified barriers to supporting recommended GWG are likely to improve the care and advice women receive and prevent excess GWG for normal weight women.

Outcomes from a hybrid implementation-effectiveness study of the living well during pregnancy Tele-coaching program for women at high risk of excessive gestational weight gain.

BACKGROUND: Excess gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with short-term perinatal complications and longer term cardiometabolic risks for mothers and their babies. Dietitian counselling and weight gain monitoring for women at risk of high pregnancy weight gain is recommended by clinical practice guidelines. However, face-to-face appointments, during a time with high appointment burden, can introduce barriers to engaging with care. Telephone counselling may offer a solution. The Living Well during Pregnancy (LWdP) program is a dietitian-delivered telephone coaching program implemented within routine antenatal care for women at risk of excess GWG. This program evaluation used a hybrid implementation-effectiveness design guided by the RE-AIM framework to report on the primary outcomes (reach, adoption, implementation, maintenance) and secondary outcomes (effectiveness) of the LWdP intervention. METHODS: The LWdP program evaluation compared data from women participating in the LWdP program with a historical comparison group (pregnant women receiving dietetic counselling for GWG in the 12 months prior to the study). The primary outcomes were described for the LWdP program. Between group comparisons were used to determine effectiveness of achieving appropriate GWG and pre and post intervention comparisons of LWdP participants was used to determine changes to dietary intake and physical activity. RESULTS: The LWdP intervention group (n = 142) were compared with women in the historical comparison group (n = 49). Women in the LWdP intervention group attended 3.4 (95% CI 2.9-3.8) appointments compared with 1.9 (95% CI, 1.6-2.2) in the historical comparison group. GWG was similar between the two groups, including the proportion of women gaining weight above the Institute of Medicine recommendations (70% vs 73%, p = 0.69). Within group comparison showed that total diet quality, intake of fruit and vegetables and weekly physical activity were all significantly improved from baseline to follow-up for the women in LWdP, while consumption of discretionary food and time spent being sedentary decreased (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The LWdP program resulted in more women accessing care and positive improvements in diet quality, intuitive eating behaviours and physical activity. It was as effective as face-to-face appointments for GWG, though more research is required to identify how to engage women earlier in pregnancy and reduce appointment burden.

Assessing the Content and Quality of Digital Tools for Managing Gestational Weight Gain: Systematic Search and Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Digital health resources have the potential to assist women in optimizing gestational weight gain (GWG) during pregnancy to improve maternal health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the quality and behavior change potential of publicly available digital tools (websites and apps) that facilitate GWG tracking. METHODS: Digital tools were identified using key search terms across website search engines and app stores and evaluated using the Mobile App Rating Scale, the App Behavior Change Scale, as well as criteria to evaluate the rigor and safety of GWG information. RESULTS: Overall, 1085 tools were screened for inclusion (162 websites and 923 apps), and 19 were deemed eligible. The mean Mobile App Rating Scale quality score was 3.31 (SD 0.53) out of 5, ranging from 2.26 to 4.39, and the mean App Behavior Change Scale score was 6 (SD 3.4) out of 21, ranging from 19 to 0. Of the 19 items used to evaluate rigor of GWG advice, most tools (n=11, 57.9%) contained ≤3 items. CONCLUSIONS: This review emphasizes the substantial limitations in current digital resources promoting the monitoring and optimization of GWG. Most tools were of low quality, had minimal behavior change potential, and were potentially unsafe, with minimal linkage to evidence-based information or partnership with health care.

Gestational diabetes screening from the perspective of consumers: Insights from early in the COVID-19 pandemic and opportunities to optimise experiences.

BACKGROUND: Consumer perspectives are a cornerstone of value-based healthcare. Screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were among many of the rapid changes to health care recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes provided a unique opportunity to add information about women's perspectives on the debate on GDM screening. AIMS: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore women's perspectives and understanding of GDM screening and diagnosis comparing the modified COVID-19 recommendations to standard GDM screening and diagnostic practices. METHODS: Women who had experienced both the standard and modified GDM screening and diagnostic processes were recruited for telephone interviews. Data analysis used inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Online surveys were disseminated to any registrant not included in interviews to provide an opportunity for all interested participants to provide their perspective. RESULTS: Twenty-nine telephone interviews were conducted and 19 survey responses were received. Seven themes were determined: (1) information provision from clinicians; (2) acceptability of GDM screening; (3) individualisation of GDM screening methods; (4) safety nets to avoid a missed diagnosis; (5) informed decision making; (6) women want information and evidence; and (7) preferred GDM screening methods for the future. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, women preferred the modified GDM screening recommendations put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their preference was influenced by their prior screening experience and perception of personal risk profile. Women expressed a strong need for clear communication from health professionals and the opportunity to be active participants in decision making.

Clinicians' perspectives on gestational diabetes screening during the global COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.

AIM: There is no international consensus for the screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In March 2020, modified screening and diagnostic recommendations were rapidly implemented in Queensland, Australia, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. How clinicians perceived and used these changes can provide insights to support high-quality clinical practice and provide lessons for future policy changes. The aim of this study was to understand clinicians' perceptions and use of COVID-19 changes to GDM screening and diagnostic recommendations. METHODS: Queensland healthcare professionals responsible for diagnosing or caring for women with GDM were recruited for semi-structured telephone interviews. Data analysis of transcribed interviews used inductive reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Seventeen interviews were conducted with the following participants: six midwives/nurses, three endocrinologists, two general practitioners, two general practitioners/obstetricians, two diabetes educators, one dietitian and one obstetrician. Three themes emerged: communication and implementation, perceptions and value of evidence and diversity in perceptions of GDM screening. Overall, clinicians welcomed the rapid changes during the initial uncertainty of the pandemic, but as COVID-19 became less of a threat to the Queensland healthcare system, some questioned the underlying evidence base. In areas where GDM was more prevalent, clinicians more frequently worried about missed diagnoses, whereas others who felt that overdiagnosis had occurred in the past continued to support the changes. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the challenges to changing policy when clinicians have diverse (and often strongly held) views.

Single-centre survey of women reflecting on recent experiences and preferences of oral intake during labour.

BACKGROUND: Consensus-based recommendations guiding oral intake during labour are lacking. AIMS: We surveyed women at a tertiary women's hospital about preferences for and experiences of oral intake during labour, gastrointestinal symptoms during labour and recalled advice about oral intake. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women who experienced labour completed a postpartum survey with responses as free text, yes-no questions and five-point Likert scales. We identified demographic data and risk factors for surgical or anaesthetic intervention at delivery from medical records. We summarised free text comments using conventional content analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-nine women completed the survey (47% response rate). Their mean (SD) age was 31 (four) years, birthing at median gestation of 39 weeks (interquartile range: 38-40). One hundred and twenty-two (83%) and 44 (30%) women strongly agreed or agreed they felt like drinking and eating respectively during labour. Ninety women (61%) reported nausea and 47 women (32%) reported vomiting in labour. Forty-one women (28%) did not receive advice on oral intake during labour. Maternal risk factors for surgical intervention were identified in 72 (48%) women and fetal risk factors in 27 (18%) women. Thirty-one women (21%) delivered by emergency caesarean section. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women received variable advice regarding oral intake during labour, from variable sources. Most women felt like drinking but not eating during labour. Guidelines on oral intake in labour may be beneficial to women, balancing the preferences of women with risks of surgical intervention.

An implementation science approach for developing and implementing a dietitian-led model of care for gestational diabetes: a pre-post study.

BACKGROUND: There is strong evidence that women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) who receive a minimum of three appointments with a dietitian may require medication less often. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a dietitian-led model of care on clinical outcomes and to understand the utility of the integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework as a prospective tool for implementation. METHODS: This was a pre-post intervention study measuring outcomes before-and-after changing a gestational diabetes (GDM) model of care and included women with GDM managed at a large, regional hospital in Queensland, Australia. The i-PARIHS framework was used to develop, implement and evaluate a dietitian-led model of care which increased dietetic input for women with GDM to a minimum of one initial education and two review appointments. The outcomes were adherence to the schedule of appointments, clinician perspective of the implementation process, pharmacotherapy use, gestational age at commencement of pharmacotherapy and birth weight. Pre- and post- comparisons of outcomes were made using t-tests and chi-squared tests. RESULTS: Adherence to the dietetic schedule of appointments was significantly increased from 29 to 82% (p < 0.001) but pharmacotherapy use also increased by 10% (p = 0.10). There were significantly more women in the post-intervention group who were diagnosed with GDM prior to 24 weeks gestation, a strong independent predictor of pharmacotherapy use. Infant birthweight remained unchanged. The i-PARIHS framework was used as a diagnostic tool and checklist in the model of care development phase; a facilitation tool during the implementation phase; and during the evaluation phase was used as a reflection tool to identify how the i-PARIHS constructs and their interactions that may have impacted on clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The i-PARIHS framework was found to be useful in the development, implementation and evaluation of a dietitian-led model of care which saw almost 90% of women with GDM meet the minimum schedule of dietetic appointments.

Non-responsive feeding practices mediate the relationship between maternal and child obesogenic eating behaviours.

Both genetic and environmental influences underpin complex multidimensional associations between maternal and child eating behaviours, maternal feeding practices and child obesity risk. The aim of the present study was to explore cross-sectional relationships between maternal and child eating behaviours, and to examine whether maternal feeding practices mediate these relationships. Data were available from 478 Australian mothers (M = 38.8 years, SD = 5.6) of a 5-10 year old child (M = 7.0 years, SD = 1.1; 48.2% male). Mothers completed an online survey that included validated measures of maternal eating behaviours, maternal feeding practices and child eating behaviours. Maternal emotional overeating and food responsiveness, were each positively associated with the parallel child eating behaviour (r = 0.29 and r = 0.21, ps < .001, respectively). Mediation analyses showed that both the relationship between maternal and child emotional overeating and between maternal and child food responsiveness, were partially mediated by use of food as a reward and overt restriction (total indirect effect: .04, 95% CI 0.02, 0.07 and 0.82, 95% CI 0.04, 0.13, respectively). Findings suggest a role for feeding practices in explaining the concordance between maternal and child eating behaviours. Moreover, the results highlight the need for interventions that support parents to recognise these eating behaviours in themselves and their children and understand how these may potentially influence the feeding practices they use. Future longitudinal research that confirms the cross-sectional relationships between maternal and child eating behaviours and feeding practices reported here will strengthen the evidence to support the importance of feeding practices in the development of dietary intake patterns and obesity risk.

Attendance rates and characteristics of women with obesity referred to the dietitian for individual weight management advice during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Engagement in services to support healthy weight management during pregnancy is poor. A better understanding of those who attend is important in supporting women to participate in preventative health services. AIMS: This retrospective observational study aimed to report attendance rates of pregnant women with obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 ) referred to a dietitian between 2012 and 2018 for weight management and describe who was referred and attended. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographic, attendance and medical data for women with obesity who were either referred to a dietitian or were not referred were sourced from hospital data. Chi-squared and t-tests were used to compare groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify characteristics associated with attendance within the referred group. RESULTS: Of 5426 eligible women, 523 were referred to the dietitian, and 4903 women were not referred (Total sample: 29 ± 6 years, 39.0 ± 2.1 weeks gestation at birth). Referred women self-reported a 6.7 kg/m2 higher pre-pregnancy BMI, 7% more were subsequently diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and 9% more were induced (P < 0.001) indicating a higher risk of adverse outcomes. Referred women attended a median (range) of 2 (0-8) appointments. The majority (78%) attended ≥1 appointment, and 41% attended ≥3 appointments. Women referred by a midwife (65%) or diagnosed with GDM were 1.9 and 3.0 times more likely to attend, respectively (P < 0.01). Being a smoker was negatively associated with attendance (odds ratio 0.388, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women with obesity referred for dietetic weight management appear at higher risk of adverse outcomes, with most attending ≥1 appointment. Engaging midwives in promoting referrals may increase attendance.

Staff resourcing, guideline implementation and models of care for gestational diabetes mellitus management.

BACKGROUND: In 2014, updated screening and diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes (GDM) were introduced across Australia. Many states including Queensland introduced clinical guidelines to include these changes and other recommendations for GDM management. While it is understood that GDM diagnosis has increased, it is unknown whether resources or service delivery have changed, or whether health services have implemented the guidelines. AIMS: To understand the staff resourcing, models of care, level of guideline implementation and barriers and enablers to implementing the guideline across Queensland Health GDM services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 22-item electronic survey containing multiple choice and open-ended questions was disseminated to healthcare professionals involved in GDM care across 14 Hospital and Health Services (HHS) in Queensland between August and October 2017. RESULTS: Fifty-three surveys were included for analysis. Between 2014 and 2016, Queensland GDM diagnosis increased by an average of 33%, yet only eight out of 14 HHS reported increases to staff resourcing. Full implementation of the GDM guideline was reported by 41% of metropolitan compared with 29% for regional and 25% for rural/remote services. Guideline recommendations were inconsistently delivered for physical activity advice, minimum schedule of dietetics appointments and psychosocial support. The most common barrier to guideline implementation was staff resourcing (85%), whereas enablers included staff/teamwork (42%), staff resourcing (21%), local protocols (21%) and staff education/knowledge (15%). CONCLUSIONS: Increased staff funding as well as an implementation science-driven process for guideline implementation is required to ensure that the increasing number of women with GDM can receive evidence-based care.

Impact of service-wide initiatives to support healthy pregnancy weight gain on weight-related documentation.

BACKGROUND: Excess gestational weight gain is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Addressing barriers to the provision of best practice care that supports healthy pregnancy weight gain could assist staff in clinical care; however, little is known about changes to staff practices after ameliorating barriers. AIMS: To evaluate if service initiatives to promote healthy pregnancy weight gain improve weight-related documentation by antenatal staff throughout pregnancy care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Service initiatives including staff training, familiarisation with a pregnancy weight gain chart and placement of scales in clinic rooms were introduced. Pregnancy health records were audited for deliveries pre- (2014) and post-implementation (2017) to obtain weight-related measures. Measures assessed included the documentation of pre-pregnancy weight, height, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), referral to dietetic services (if overweight) and the accuracy of pre-pregnancy BMI calculation. The proportion of visits with weight recorded during pregnancy was also audited. RESULTS: A total of 1003 and 1050 records were included from the pre- and post-intervention groups respectively. Significant improvements over time were observed in the documentation of pre-pregnancy weight (P < 0.001), BMI (P < 0.001), accuracy of BMI calculation (P < 0.001) and for obese women proportion of visits with weight recorded (P = 0.02). There was a non-significant increase in the documentation of dietetic referral for overweight women (1.1% vs 2.2%, P = 0.27) and proportion of visits with weight recorded for women across all pre-pregnancy BMI groups (49% vs 51%, P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Addressing barriers to supporting healthy pregnancy weight gain through service-wide initiatives may improve weight-related documentation by antenatal staff.