Preconception / fertility planning for women with diabetes
Nationally, preconception care in diabetes remains poor with no improvement over the last few years. The National Diabetes in pregnancy audit highlighted that only 8% of women with diabetes were well prepared for pregnancy (taking 5mg Folic acid, off potentially harmful medications and with HbA1c below 48 at booking). This led to a National Quality Improvement call in this area and the Somerset team, led by Isy Douek and Michael Lennox, were one of 20 to win support for their project. They are collaborating with the LPC, LMC practice nursing, SWISH team and Diabetes care teams across Somerset.
From 1st May 2018 we are using two simple measures to empower pharmacists, practice nurses and other HCPs to raise awareness that women with any type of diabetes may need to make changes before pregnancy and, if considering pregnancy within the next year, are referred for specialist advice and support. These are a one page "crib sheet" that any HCP can use. This gives headlines of NICE advice, tells what to do and who to refer to at YDH or MPH. There is also the Diabetes UK information prescription for contraception and pregnancy, designed for patients with any type of diabetes. We are encouraging everyone who has contact with women with diabetes to use this resource. We are keen to hear from you if you have any queries or suggestions & happy to arrange visits to discuss the project if you wish.
Please contact isy.douek@tst.nhs.uk or phone 01823 344536.