Screening and nursing management of gestational diabetes in Ghana: Evidence-based recommendations
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Heliyon
Abstract
Objective: To describe the development of evidence-based recommendations for screening and
nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Ghana and present the
recommendations.
Design: A qualitative study.
Setting: Military Health Institutions in Ghana.
Measurements: Data from qualitative interviews with 7 women with GDM and 8 midwives, and an
integrative literature review including available clinical practice guidelines on screening and
nursing management of GDM, was used to develop the recommendations. The National Institute
for Health and Care Excellence’ steps guided the recommendations’ development. Methodolog ical quality of the recommendations was assessed based on an adapted version of the Appraisal of
Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) tool. Six experts reviewed the recommen dations and an infographic in support of the recommendations.
Findings: Two main recommendations and an infographic were developed, including: 1. Early
screening and diagnosis of GDM, and 2. Involvement of women with GDM and their significant
others during pregnancy, intrapartum and postpartum management, in a culturally and socio economically appropriate manner.
Key conclusions: The recommendations and infographic, once reviewed and pilot tested, may assist
midwives managing GDM in Ghana, with support of health institution management.
Implications for practice: The study highlights the need for recommendations which can be used by
midwives to manage GDM in Ghana. The recommendations are the first to be contextualized for
the Ghanaian setting.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Nursing management, Screening, Gestational diabetes mellitus, Ghana