Development and validation of interprofessional health education module for the management of gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a glucose intolerance that shows its first onset during pregnancy. In India, GDM affects as many as 5 million women annually. The interprofessional collaborative educational intervention is crucial for GDM management. This study illustrates the collaborative effort in developing and validating an interprofessional health education module designed for healthcare professionals during consultation sessions with GDM patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigation involved three stages: 1) needs assessment for module contents and objectives, 2) health education module development by an interprofessional team, and 3) module validation. We received ethics approval from the institution’s ethics committee. RESULTS: The interprofessional team developed and validated the evidence-based English-printed module. The module had 27 units and covered six topics: an introduction to GDM and its management, dietary recommendations for GDM, exercise, yoga recommendations for GDM, weight control, and postpartum care. CONCLUSION: The interprofessional team developed the educational module, wherein there is an integration of the domains of exercise and yoga along with medicines and nutrition therapy. The module was developed based on local requirements and evidence-based practices. Healthcare professionals can use the interprofessional health education module when advising diabetic pregnant patients.