title: High priority research needs for gestational diabetes mellitus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Identification of unanswered research questions about the management of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is necessary to focus future research endeavors. We developed a process for elucidating the highest priority research questions on GDM.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a systematic review on GDM as a starting point, we developed an eight-step process: (1) identification of research gaps, (2) feedback from the review's authors, (3) translation of gaps into researchable questions using population, intervention, comparators, outcomes, setting (PICOS) framework, (4) local institutions' stakeholders' refinement of research questions, (5) national stakeholders' use of Delphi method to develop consensus on the importance of research questions, (6) prioritization of outcomes, (7) conceptual framework, and (8) evaluation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We identified 15 high priority research questions for GDM. The research questions focused on medication management of GDM (e.g., various oral agents vs. insulin), delivery management for women with GDM (e.g., induction vs. expectant management), and identification of risk factors for, prevention of, and screening for type 2 diabetes in women with prior GDM. Stakeholders rated the development of chronic diseases in offspring, cesarean delivery, and birth trauma as high priority outcomes to measure in future studies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We developed an eight-step process using a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders to identify 15 research questions of high clinical importance. Researchers, policymakers, and funders can use this list to direct research efforts and resources to the highest priority areas to improve care for women with GDM.
authors: Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2024 E. Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. wendy.bennett@jhmi.edu
authors: Wendy L
authors: WL
authors: Bennett
authors: Karen A
authors: KA
authors: Robinson
authors: Ian J
authors: IJ
authors: Saldanha
authors: Lisa M
authors: LM
authors: Wilson
authors: Wanda K
authors: WK
authors: Nicholson
mesh_terms: D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000379:methods; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000628:therapy; D019468:Disease Management; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods; D011247:Pregnancy; D012196:Review Literature as Topic