Healthcare for People With Diabetes in Pregnancy: A National Survey Comparing Metropolitan and Rural Care Delivery in Australia

TL;DR

This study compares diabetes care during pregnancy in rural and metropolitan areas of Australia, finding differences in access to specialists and service delivery.

Contribution

The study provides insights into healthcare delivery differences for diabetes in pregnancy between rural and metropolitan regions in Australia.

Findings

Rural areas had higher face-to-face service provision compared to metropolitan areas.

Metropolitan areas showed greater colocation with endocrinologists and obstetricians.

The study highlights the need for tailored care models in rural regions.

Abstract

Management of diabetes in pregnancy requires input from multiple health professionals throughout the course of an individual's pregnancy. Implementing healthcare delivery that suits the local context of a metropolitan or rural region may contribute to improvements in care delivery and pregnancy and birthing outcomes.

To compare healthcare delivery for people with diabetes in pregnancy in metropolitan and rural areas of Australia.

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted, with questions focused on healthcare delivery for women with diabetes in pregnancy, including the multidisciplinary care provided. Data were collected via a nationwide survey of health professionals currently involved in the healthcare management of people with diabetes in pregnancy in Australia. Survey data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The main aspects of healthcare delivery were similar between metropolitan and rural respondents. The proportion of health professionals offering face‐to‐face services was greater in rural areas (n = 38, 100%) compared to metropolitan (n = 34, 71%). Rural respondents (21%) reported they were collocated with an endocrinologist and 48% with an obstetrician. This was compared to 71% of metropolitan respondents reporting being collocated with an endocrinologist, and 63% with an obstetrician.

This research offers direction as to potential considerations when planning and implementing models of care in rural areas. Additional research confirming the priorities within the rural context is needed to support the development of optimal care delivery for pregnant people with diabetes living in rural regions.

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