SFEIES24 Poster Presentations Diabetes & Metabolism (68 abstracts)
1Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland; 2University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide and is currently 12% (appx. 800 women/annum) in our institution with 40% of the patients requiring treatment with insulin. The aim of this project is to assess if the use of an online glucose management platform in addition to usual care would improve patient satisfaction in women with GDM. Patients diagnosed with GDM were randomised to the use of Bluetooth enabled Onetouch Verion or Accucheck Instant glucometer-app for glucose monitoring. Glucose readings were visible to the patient via a smartphone app and to the healthcare practitioner via a virtual desktop platform. A 7-point questionnaire assessed overall satisfaction with care processes (part A), and a 5-point questionnaire assessed satisfaction with either app (part B). Narrative comments were also requested from patients. Over 90% of patients from both groups were happy with processes of care, understanding of GDM treatment, and interactions with the healthcare team. All Onetouch users (n = 17) agreed that the app had a fast response time, was useful, easy to use, created confidence and improved data interpretation (part B). Of those using Accucheck (n = 10), 80% users had a similar positive response. All participants would recommend Onetouch and 90% would recommend Accucheck. Narrative comments were generally positive. Negative comments highlighted technical issues. Use of an online glucose monitoring system is safe and is associated with increased patient satisfaction in women with GDM. Introduction of this virtual monitoring systems will negate the need for documenting glucose readings in a paper diary.