Despite the significant emotional and psychological challenges associated with diabetes in pregnancy (DiP), psychological care is under-addressed. Counties Manukau piloted a health psychology service for DiP in 2023. This aimed to support those managing the psychological impact of diabetes during pregnancy, enhance maternal and infant outcomes, and reduce burnout among DiP healthcare staff.
We undertook an evaluation of the pilot to understand it’s impact the wellbeing of pregnant people with diabetes and to inform the development of the diabetes in pregnancy health psychology service.
Methods
Mixed methods evaluation with a utilisation approach. Demographic and basic clinical data of those referred to the DiP psychologist were summarised. Interviews with recent consumers and multidisciplinary staff were undertaken and analysed using framework qualitative analysis.
Results
Over 2 years, 51 referrals to the DiP psychologist were made (34 Type 2, 6 Type 1, and 11 Gestational diabetics). Six consumers and nine health professionals were interviewed. Consumers described significant negative impact of psychological morbidity on their pregnancy, but short and long term benefits following one-on-one health psychology input. Stigma of referral, a lack of visibility of the psychologist in the service, and difficulty understanding who or what the service was for were areas for improvement identified by both staff and consumers.
Findings
The psychology service has provided benefit for people with DiP, but is likely underutilised. Education for clinicians on how to discuss referral and the potential benefits of health psychology for DIP, and increasing the visibility of this service will likely increase its impact.