Healthcare Service Delivery Experiences of Australians With Previous Diabetes in Pregnancy: Results From a Cross‐Sectional Survey With a Rural and Metropolitan Comparison

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the antenatal healthcare service delivery experienced by Australians with previous diabetes in pregnancy and to compare across regional, rural and metropolitan areas. METHODS: An email invitation with an online survey was sent to potentially eligible individuals on the National Diabetes Services Scheme email list. Individuals over the age of 18 who had experienced diabetes in pregnancy in the previous 2 years, who received their care in Australia and were not currently pregnant were eligible. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Australia-wide. PARTICIPANTS: People with experience of diabetes in pregnancy in Australia within 2 years at the time of survey completion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic, pregnancy and diabetes-related data, frequency and location of contact with key health professionals, distance travelled for care and satisfaction with care delivery. RESULTS: A total of 668 respondents completed the survey (n = 489 metropolitan, n = 74 regional, n = 101 rural). Those in rural Australia were less likely to see an endocrinologist during their pregnancy compared to metropolitan (34.8% rural, 53.2% metropolitan). There was a statistically significant difference in overall care satisfaction between metropolitan and rural respondents, with rural respondents less likely to be 'very satisfied' with their care compared to metropolitan (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Understanding the differences in antenatal care delivery from the perspectives of those with diabetes in pregnancy can assist in the planning and delivery of optimal antenatal healthcare in rural areas. Further research is required to explore the specific elements of care that rural women would like changed to improve their overall experience.