July 2024
Primary care clinician perspectives on a novel linked health data system to prevent type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes: An Australian qualitative study
Rochelle Sleaby,1 Rachel Canaway,1 Jo-Anne Manski-Nankervis,1,2 Douglas Boyle1
1The University of Melbourne, Department of General Practice and Primary Care, Melbourne Medical School, Melbourne, Vic
2Nanyang Technological University, Primary Care and Family Medicine, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore
Background and objectives
The objective was to understand primary care clinician perspectives on a novel linked health data system for diabetes prevention. We used the conceptual example of linking the National Gestational Diabetes Register with primary care electronic health records to understand clinicians’ views on potential implementation.
Methods
This study undertook 14 interviews with general practitioners and a practice nurse who was also a diabetes educator. Thematic analysis of interview transcriptions was conducted.
Results
Clinicians were optimistic for the potential to improve workflow and patient outcomes, noting the existing pressures on primary care and patient concerns regarding confidentiality. Clinicians envisaged three functions for the system: (1) automatically updating a patient’s past history; (2) generating actionable alerts; and (3) generating recall lists.
Discussion
Primary care clinicians were unanimously supportive of a linked health data system for diabetes prevention. Point-of-care tools and preventative care consultations could increase the uptake of screening and provide opportunities for patient education postpartum.