Perinatal outcomes for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus who participated in an interdisciplinary gestational diabetes program

Abstract

The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe the case management process and report the perinatal outcomes of women in an interdisciplinary gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) program. This study examined the structure of the team which implemented the program, related the process employed by team members to achieve euglycemia, and analyzed the perinatal outcomes of the participants. This study found there was insufficient documentation of interactions between study participants and team members. This lack of documentation hindered a clear description of the case management process. Outcomes were similar to outcomes reported by other GDM perinatal programs. Important observations included reduction in frequency of blood glucose evaluations by women the week prior to delivery and limited evaluation of blood glucoses during the intrapartum period. To determine the quality and effectiveness of perinatal case management programs further examination of the structure, process, and outcomes of case management must be conducted.