Improving Postpartum Glucose Monitoring in Women With Gestational Diabetes [14F

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To improve 6-week postpartum visit attendance, postpartum glucose test ordering, and test completion among postpartum patients with gestational diabetes through a three pronged intervention. METHODS: Pre- and post-intervention surveys of women with GDM were studied via chart review. The intervention included an advanced order set for glucose testing, an educational module for providers, and nutritionist education and reminder phone calls reminding patients to attend their 6-week postpartum visits while fasting. RESULTS: 107 women in the pre-intervention group and 42 women in the post-intervention group were studied. Rates of orders placed for postpartum glucose testing was higher in the post-intervention group compared to the pre-intervention group (57% vs 42%, P=.03). There were higher total glucose test completion rates in the post-intervention group compared to the pre-intervention group (36% vs 17%, P=.01). Attendance rates at the 6-week postpartum visit did not vary between groups (73% pre vs 69% post, P=.60). Six percent of the pre-intervention group attended the 6-week postpartum visit while fasting, while 60% in the post-intervention group attended while fasting (P=.002). CONCLUSION: While there was no increase in the percentage of women attending their 6-week postpartum visits, the rates of completed orders for postpartum glucose testing, women attending the 6-week post-partum visit while fasting, and completion of postpartum glucose testing were higher in the post-intervention group. More research is needed to identify the barriers to attendance at the 6-week post-partum visit among women with GDM.