CONTINUING DIABETES in PREGNANCY CARE during COVID-19 in A MULTI-ETHNIC, SOCIOECONOMICALLY DIVERSE POPULATION in AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

ABSTRACT

Background: Diabetes in pregnancy (DIP) affects 6% of pregnancies annually in Aotearoa New Zealand, and 12% of pregnancies in our service at The Whatu Ora Counties Manukau, a multi-ethnic, socioeconomically diverse region. At the onset of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, telephone clinics (teleclinics) replaced face-to-face visits for those with DIP. However, there is limited information on the views of patients affected by DIP in Aotearoa about their maternity care, and their care since the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim(s) To explore the views of patients within Counties Manukau about their maternity care for DiP, including their perceptions of teleclinics. Method(s) Semi-structured interviews with women via telephone. Interviewers were matched by ethnicity with participants. Responses were analysed using a qualitative Framework Analysis. Result(s) We interviewed 20 women New Zealand Maori ( n = 5), Pacific ( n = 4), Asian ( n = 5), and other ethnicity (European/New Zealand European) ( n = 4). Three key themes were identified, (1) 'shock, shame and adjustment', (2) 'learning to manage DIP' and (3) 'preparation for birth.' Participants primarily reported positive care experiences and appreciated both face-to-face and teleclinics. Women of Maori and Pacific ethnicity reported that the visible presence of healthcare professionals of a similar ethnicity within the DIP service would enhance their comfort and facilitate cultural understanding. Conclusion(s) This study adds important insights into the pregnancy care experience of a multi-ethnic and socioeconomically diverse group of women with DIP. Continuing teleclinics may be useful outside of a pandemic setting. More work is required to improve support and communication around diagnosis and management, particularly for gestational diabetes.