Implementation of a Gestational Diabetes Virtual Care Clinic: A Before-After Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is common diagnosis during pregnancy and has a substantial effect on maternal and fetal morbidity. Advancements in healthcare technology, such as Bluetooth-enabled glucometers, telemedicine, and virtual clinics, have emerged as efficient tools for GDM management.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of clinical outcomes in women with GDM across two time points (January-June 2019 and January-June 2021) following the introduction of a virtual care pathway in a tertiary referral maternity hospital. Demographic, GDM management and birth outcomes data were collected anonymously from electronic hospital records and analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 583 patients were included, 2019 (n = 227) and 2021 (n = 356). We found higher rates of attendance at GDM education via the virtual platform (99.4% vs 95.6%, p < 0.01), faster access to GDM care and initiation of treatment (p < 0.001) in 2021.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows higher rates of attendance at our virtual GDM education pathway led to a faster initiation of pharmacological therapy.