title: Engaging Patients and Clinicians in Establishing Research Priorities for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We involved patients and clinicians in Alberta, Canada, to establish research priorities in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), using an approach based on a model proposed by the James Lind Alliance (JLA).
  
  
  METHODS
  We adapted the 4-step JLA process to engage women with GDM and clinicians to identify uncertainties about the management of GDM. Uncertainties were identified through a survey and a review of the clinical practice guidelines (CPG). Uncertainties were short-listed by a steering committee, followed by a 1-day facilitated workshop using a nominal group format and involving a similar number of patients and clinicians, who identified the top 10 research priorities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Across the various survey formats, 75 individuals submitted 389 uncertainties, the majority (44; 59%) coming from patients. We removed 9 questions as being out of scope or unclear, and 41 were identified on a review of CPG, resulting in a total of 421 uncertainties. After the priority setting process, the final top 10 research priorities included questions about a simpler, more accurate and convenient screening test; risk factors for GDM; improving postpartum diabetes screening; the impact of GDM on the future health of the children; lifestyle challenges and mental health issues; safety, effectiveness and/or impact of diet and/or medication treatments; appropriate timing for delivery; and how care is provided, organized or communicated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These top 10 research priorities were informed through a comprehensive and transparent process involving women who have experienced GDM as well as clinicians, and they may be regarded as research priorities for GDM.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Sandra E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Rees
authors.affiliation: Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Rati
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chadha
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Lois E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Donovan
authors.affiliation: Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Adrienne L T
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Guitard
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Sudha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Koppula
authors.affiliation: Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Laupacis
authors.affiliation: Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Electronic address: jeff.johnson@ualberta.ca.
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D016640:Diabetes, Gestational; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010358:Patient Participation; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D012106:Research; D035501:Uncertainty; D014930:Women / Q000523:psychology
keywords: clinical uncertainties; diabète gestationnel; gestational diabetes; grossesse; incertitudes cliniques; participation des patientes; patient engagement; pregnancy; priorités de recherche; research priorities