Written Health Education Materials for Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus – Evaluation of Usefulness and Patients’ Satisfaction

Abstract

Background: Written health educational materials are an integral part of the treatment process. Because of the constantly increasing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) global rate, pregnant women require accessible, easy-to-understand and evidence-based medical information about this pregnancy complication. Aim: To adapt and elaborate printed educational materials on GDM and to evaluate the usefulness of the produced training materials and pregnant women’s satisfaction. Materials and methods: The present study implemented a methodological approach covering three phases: (1) systematic literature review; (2) compilation of printed educational materials for pregnant women with GDM; (3) evaluation of the usefulness and satisfaction with the produced educational materials through a focus group consisting of pregnant women. A seven-item self-administered feedback questionnaire was adopted for evaluation of patient satisfaction after the use of educational materials. Results: An educational manual was developed in compliance with the main requirements for effectiveness of educational materials referring to content, structure, language, layout and illustrations. The usefulness of the educational manual and patient satisfaction were evaluated by a sample group of 20 women with GDM. Approximately 95% agreed or strongly agreed that the information in the educational manual was useful. The patients’ assessment of the understanding and readability of the written materials showed a satisfaction rate of 85%. The overall assessment for the educational materials was very high - excellent (65%), very good (30%) and good (5%). Conclusion: The provision of educational materials on GDM can enhance pregnant women’s health literacy as well as their responsibility, motivation and attitude to their personal health.

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

“…A similar study was conducted, which developed an educational manual for healthy pregnancy designed for women with GDM. [ 34 ] The feedback study on this showed high satisfaction among the patients. Even in this technological era, printed information can improve literacy on GDM and provide motivation and change in attitude toward the management of GDM, which will contribute to a decrease in morbidity and mortality associated with GDM for the mother and the fetus.…”

Improving Gestational Diabetes Management through Patient Education

“…A feedback study showed a very high level of patient satisfaction. Pregnant women find the educational manual very useful [30].…”

Bulgarian community pharmacists’ attitudes and barriers towards pharmaceutical care provision for pregnant women

“…Although pregnancy is a physiological condition, during this period a number of changes occur in a woman's body related to ensuring the foetus development and successful completion of the pregnancy (Staynova et al 2019). The occurrence of acute conditions and the presence of chronic diseases necessitate the use of medicines during pregnancy.…”