Poster Presentation ESA-SRB 2023 in conjunction with ENSA

Transforming Maternal Health care in rural communities: Leveraging existing resources to strengthen health care systems and Foster Sustainable Solutions for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (#291)

Radhika Dr Arunkumar 1
  1. Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VICTORIA, Australia

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) poses a substantial health risk to both mothers and the fetus without timely management. Women from rural areas are particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with GDM due to socio-ecological barriers including limited access to health care facilities including transportation, language, communication, lack of awareness, education and inadequate postpartum support. In this study we aim to focus on utilising the existing GDM-related healthcare infrastructure in rural Australia, by a) understanding the potential of digital health support within rural service infrastructure, and b) from the perspective of mothers, partners, and care givers, what is desired in terms of community-based interventions.  We will be developing a mixed-methods approach, conducting a survey with expecting mothers and those who have given birth in the last 12 months in rural hospitals of Victoria and Queensland. We aim to firstly, to publish a systematic review on the barriers and enablers in GDM-related intervention in rural population of Australian which will be the first systematic review on the rural co hort; secondly, utilise the survey responses to identify the barriers and enablers to implement better eHealth facilities; thirdly, to educate people about early intervention and management by providing comprehensive health education and resources to make informed decision during pregnancy, childbirth and diabetes management. The second phase of the study will engage industry partners by fostering collaborations, involving clinicians and experts to establish mobile clinics equipped with telemedicine capabilities, making quality prenatal care accessible in remote regions. Involvement of stakeholders will facilitate initiatives using technology to disseminate information about GDM, develop shared goals to bridge gaps ensuring comprehensive maternal health care delivery in remote region supporting generations to come.