The Atlantic DIP (Diabetes in Pregnancy) programme, a research programme focusing on maternal and infant outcome from pregnancies affected by pre gestational diabetes (type 1 and type 2) along the Irish Atlantic seaboard, is using the DIAMOND clinical information management system from Hicom for data collection. The Atlantic DIP programme also offers universal screening for gestational diabetes and enables post delivery surveillance for persistent diabetes and metabolic syndrome throughout the regional population.

Commissioned in 2006, the Atlantic DIP programme monitors and evaluates the effects of diabetes in pregnant women, compared to the pregnancies of non-diabetic women living along the West coast of Ireland.

Professor Fidelma Dunne, Consultant Endocrinologist at the University College Hospital, Galway and principal researcher in the Atlantic Dip programme, comments, "Prior to the research of the Atlantic DIP programme, the last study into the prevalence of gestational diabetes within Ireland was carried out in the early 1990s in Dublin. With the population and culture having changed significantly since then, the information and data that was available on this topic was very much out of date. Therefore, it was important that we implemented a universal screening programme in order to gain a true understanding of the current levels of gestational diabetes that exist throughout the West of Ireland."

The Atlantic Dip programme covers a 300 by 200 square mile radius of Western Ireland. Operating across such a vast area means that it is not practical for case notes and papers to be physically moved between clinicians and researchers in the region. As such, DIAMOND has been deployed to electronically collate all patient data within a central location, enabling information to be shared quickly and effectively in real-time by researchers.

Professor Dunne continues, "Having previously worked in the UK I was aware of the DIAMOND system before starting the DIP project and knew that it would work well for the programme. DIAMOND has been essential in assisting us to collate patient information and data, and because it is web-based the project officers in each of the five antenatal centres can enter the information in real-time, increasing the accuracy of the data and improving the efficiency of our processes."

DIAMOND includes a comprehensive diabetes-related Electronic Health Record and Hicom has worked closely with the Atlantic DIP research team to develop the pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and post-pregnancy datasets which are key to the Atlantic Dip programme's specific requirements.

Professor Dunne adds, "A key advantage of the DIAMOND system is its ease of use. The system is very simple to understand and contains a number of drop down menus which makes it easy for staff to enter the data accurately. I have also worked closely with Hicom to develop customised fields that prompt the user to complete aspects of care that might otherwise have been forgotten."

Professor Dunne continues, "We are currently collaborating with the University of Ulster on a new diabetes research initiative, which will enable us to cross reference the data we have collated using DIAMOND, against each patient's address using a geographical information system. This will enable us to see how the socio-economic status of the region impacts upon attendance rates for glucose tolerance testing, and will help determine if there are pockets of the population where gestational diabetes is more prevalent and where women will benefit from an increased level of diabetes care."

Professor Dunne concludes, "Using DIAMOND the research team can collate data accurately and effectively, enabling us to produce annual reports detailing the outcomes for established diabetes in pregnancy.".

Source
Hicom Technology