Miss Britney McMullen1,2, Dr Kerith Duncanson2,4,5, Dr David Schmidt4,6, Laureate Prof Clare Collins3,5, Prof Lesley MacDonald-Wicks3
1Mid North Coast Local Health District, Coffs Harbour , Australia, 2School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia , 3School of Health Sciences, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia , 4Health Education and Training Institute, NSW Health, St Leonards , Australia , 5Food and Nutrition Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton, Australia , 6School of Rural Health, University of Sydney, Dubbo , Australia
Biography:
Britney is a PhD candidate at the University of Newcastle, NSW, specialising in prediabetes diagnosis, management, and Type 2 diabetes prevention in rural settings. As a Health Promotion Officer with the Mid North Coast Local Health District, she has extensive experience working on community health initiatives to support priority populations. Her research focuses on bridging gaps in chronic disease prevention through multidisciplinary collaboration and policy development. Britney is passionate about empowering health professionals and communities to improve health outcomes in rural settings.
Abstract:
Health professionals (HPs) are crucial in the diagnosis and management of prediabetes however, inconsistent diagnosis and underutilisation of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevention programs persist. This research aimed to examine the perceptions of people with prediabetes (PWP) and HPs regarding prediabetes diagnosis, management, and engagement in T2DM prevention programs, with the goal of shaping care and improving outcomes in rural settings.
Using a qualitative approach with a critical realist methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 PWP and 19 HPs from Northern New South Wales Australia. Participants shared their knowledge, attitudes, and experiences related to prediabetes diagnosis, management, and engagement in T2DM prevention programs. Thematic analysis was conducted, followed by the generation of context, mechanism, and outcome statements.
Prediabetes treatment was not prioritised within healthcare until progression to T2DM due to resourcing and unclear role delineation between HPs, resulting in PWP feeling uncertain about the condition and its management. A multidisciplinary team of HPs were considered valuable in empowering lifestyle changes through education and behaviour change counselling. Both PWP and HPs reported barriers in accessing and referring to T2DM prevention programs. To enhance program engagement, structure, content, delivery, accessibility, and promotion need consideration.
Prediabetes is a complex condition requiring clear diagnosis and management by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals to delay and/or prevent progression to T2DM. Delineating roles and responsibilities for diagnosing and managing prediabetes and developing strategies to improve referral to and engagement in T2DM prevention programs will empower HPs to prevent T2DM in rural settings.