Gestational diabetes mellitus : current practices, screening and diagnosis in the South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service
- Publication Type:
- Thesis
- Issue Date:
- 2009
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Aim: The aim was to examine the current practices related to the screening
and diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in the South Eastern
Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service (SESIAHS), and to provide evidence
to form the basis for the development of appropriate evidence-based
guidelines for screening for GDM in this Area Health Service.
The objectives of the study were to:
1) Identify the range of practices employed for the screening and diagnosis
for GDM across the SESIAHS;
2) Assess the level of screening by oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) and
adherence to site policies regarding this test; and,
3) Establish the incidence of GDM in women giving birth at the three sites
within the SESIAHS.
Study Design: A retrospective, quantitative, descriptive study, with
comparative analysis of data between sites was undertaken. The aims and
objectives of the study were addressed through examination of the policies
and guidelines at the three sites and an assessment of the level of screening
by oral glucose challenge test (OGCT). This was achieved through a
medical record audit which also identified adherence to site policies
regarding screening. The incidence of GDM in women giving birth at the
three locations was ascertained via the Midwives Data Collection.
Comparison of site and population characteristics was undertaken to
explore any differences between the facilities.
Sample: Three components formed the sample for the study. These
included the policies and guidelines from the three sites to identify the
range of practices employed to screen for GDM. The second sample
component was 90 to 100 medical records per site for audit purposes to
assess the level of screening by OGCT and adherence to site policies. The
final component of the sample consisted of all women who gave birth at
three sites in the SESIAHS from 2001 to 2005.
Results: There was a lack of consensus surrounding GDM apparent within
the South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service. Three differing
approaches to screening for GDM were identified on examination of site
policies and guidelines. Screening of women for GDM by OGCT or the
one step diagnostic OGTT ranged from 76 – 88% at the three sites. Nonadherence
to site policies was present in 11 – 14% of records examined.
Risk factors for GDM were readily identified in 61 – 91% of the women
whose medical records were reviewed. Over the five year study period, the
incidence of GDM at Site 1 was 3.0 – 5.1%; at Site 2 it was 4.1 – 5.9%, and
at Site 3 it was 5.5 – 7.1%. The incidence of GDM in the entire SESIAHS
was 3.7 – 4.3% and in NSW 3.8 – 4.7% during the study period.
Conclusions: A universal screening strategy which offers the OGCT to all
women is recommended. This conclusion has been reached after
consideration of the findings of the literature review, the upward trend of
GDM, and the high rate of GDM risk factors identified in the women at the
three sites within the SESIAHS. Added to these features, the omission of
screening for GDM in 11 – 14% of women with risk factors further
supports a universal screening strategy. This strategy would serve to
remove confusion around whether or not to offer a screening test to
pregnant women. A uniform approach, based on the best available
evidence, should be developed to guide screening, diagnosis and treatment
practices for GDM within the SESIAHS.
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