# Digitising Medical Nutrition Therapy in Gestational Diabetes: A Multisite Pilot Study

## TL;DR

A digital diet diary feature was added to a GDM management app, improving communication and dietary tracking for patients and healthcare providers.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the feasibility of a digital diet diary in enhancing gestational diabetes care through improved communication and usability.

## Key findings

- 95 out of 305 app users engaged with the diet diary feature, logging their diet for an average of 33.5 days.
- The digital diary improved patient–provider communication and reduced consultation time.
- Barriers included timing of introduction and usability issues, suggesting areas for future improvement.

## Abstract

Medical nutrition therapy, which incorporates dietary tracking, is routinely used in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, paper‐based tracking approaches are associated with several challenges. Based on user feedback, the M♡THer app, an existing digital platform for GDM management, was enhanced with a digital diet diary feature. This study aimed to evaluate the uptake, usage, usability and acceptability of the diet diary feature.

The diary was codesigned and trialled in three hospital services. Data collection occurred over 6 months. User engagement metrics, surveys and interviews with healthcare providers (HCPs) and app users were analysed using thematic analysis and triangulation.

Of the 305 M♡THer app users, 95 used the diet diary with uptake varying from 13% to 53%. Users logged their diet for an average of 33.5 days. The diary improved patient–provider communication, reducing consultation time and supporting dietary literacy. Barriers to uptake and optimal engagement included the timing of the diary introduction and usability issues.

This study contributes to the growing evidence on digitally supported GDM care, highlighting the feasibility of applying a digital diet diary for individuals with GDM and their HCPs. The approach positively enhanced diet tracking and consultation efficiency. Future iterations should prioritise early introduction, a condensed user interface and comprehensive food library.

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA): CT‐2020‐CTN‐01167‐1‐v8