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Understanding and provision of preconception care by general practitioners
Resource type
Authors/contributors
- Kizirian, Nathalie V. (Author)
- Black, Kirsten I. (Author)
- Musgrave, Loretta (Author)
- Hespe, Charlotte (Author)
- Gordon, Adrienne (Author)
Title
Understanding and provision of preconception care by general practitioners
Abstract
Background
Preconception care (PCC) defines health interventions prior to conception aimed at improving pregnancy and infant outcomes.
Aim
To explore the understanding and provision of PCC by general practitioners (GPs) within the Sydney Local Health District.
Materials and Methods
A questionnaire developed with GPs assessed structure and content of PCC provided, attitudes toward PCC and perceived barriers and facilitators.
Results
One hundred and ten GPs completed the survey: 84% reported that GPs should be the main providers of PCC; however, only 53% were aware of PCC guidelines. Seventy-five percent of responders initiated PCC discussion with women of reproductive age, 56% provided PCC to women at higher risk of adverse outcomes and 16% waited for the discussion to be initiated by the patient. Smoking, vaccination, alcohol and supplements/medication use were the most discussed PCC components, while serology, full blood count and blood pressure were the most performed assessments. Most respondents stated that PCC is essential for women with pre-existing diabetes, previous pregnancy complications or chronic illness. However, only 45% stated PCC was essential for women >35 years and 39% for women who were overweight. Importantly, weight and mental health were among the least discussed PCC components.
Conclusion
General practitioners are key providers of PCC; however, only half are aware of PCC guidelines and most do not recognise overweight to be a significant preconception issue. The most common barriers to PCC delivery were time constraints, lack of knowledge and lack of resources for patients. Improved resources and education are required to support adequate PCC provision.
Publication
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Date
12/2019
Volume
59
Issue
6
Pages
799-804
Journal Abbr
Aust NZ J Obst Gynaeco
Accessed
7/7/25, 12:56 AM
ISSN
0004-8666, 1479-828X
Language
en
Library Catalog
DOI.org (Crossref)
Notes
Study topic
Survey of general practitioners in Sydney Local Health District to assess their understanding, attitudes, and provision of preconception care (PCC).
Study type
Cross-sectional survey.
Key findings
- 84% of GPs believed they should be the primary providers of preconception care, yet only 53% were aware of PCC guidelines.
- Smoking (87%), vaccination (86%), alcohol (84%), and medication/supplement use (82%) were the most commonly discussed PCC components, while mental health (35%) and weight (49%) were among the least discussed.
- Only 45% of GPs considered PCC essential for women over 35, and 39% for women who were overweight, despite known risks associated with maternal obesity.
- 75% of GPs initiated PCC discussions with women of reproductive age, but 20% waited for patients to raise the topic.
- The most commonly used resource to support PCC delivery was HealthPathways (used by 46% of respondents), highlighting its role in guiding primary care practice.
- Barriers to PCC delivery included time constraints, lack of knowledge, and insufficient patient resources; GPs expressed a need for checklists, brochures, and mobile apps to support PCC.
- The study underscores the need for national strategies and improved training to support consistent and comprehensive PCC delivery in general practice.
Citation
Kizirian, N. V., Black, K. I., Musgrave, L., Hespe, C., & Gordon, A. (2019). Understanding and provision of preconception care by general practitioners. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 59(6), 799–804. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajo.12962
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