Title of project

Communicating RISks associated with cardiometabolic conditions in Pregnancy (CRISP) – how to communicate risks and affect risk perception among women with cardiometabolic conditions in pregnancy while avoiding stigmatisation and medicalisation.

Abstract

Cardiometabolic conditions in pregnancy (CCiP), such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE), increase the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes as well as future development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in mother and child. Currently, GDM and/or PE is diagnosed in 10% of pregnancies in Denmark. Emerging evidence, including from our group, suggests that there is a stigma associated with these conditions. To ensure effective management and long-term prevention, identifying approaches to achieve successful risk communication without causing stigmatisation or over-medicalisation is crucial. This project aims to investigate how to communicate risks associated with CCiP without inducing stigmatisation and medicalisation. Specifically, it seeks to 1) explore risk perceptions among women with CCiP, 2) assess their communication preferences and needs and 3) develop a risk communication tool (CRISP). A combination of qualitative, quantitative and co-creation methods will be employed. Through thematic content analysis, we will identify key themes in risk perception among women with CCiP, using interview data from 30-40 women diagnosed with GDM or PE. In addition, a national survey of ~22,500 women diagnosed with GDM or PE will be conducted to examine risk perception, healthcare experiences, communication needs and preferred strategies. Finally, the CRISP risk communication tool will be co-created through workshops with healthcare providers and women with CCiP. The workshops will provide insights into the practical application of our findings from aims 1 and 2, while developing and refining the CRISP tool to include guidelines for visual, oral, and written risk communication. This project will yield a comprehensive risk communication tool designed to meet the needs of both healthcare providers and women with CCiP. By combining qualitative insights, quantitative data, and co-creation methodologies, the CRISP tool aims to improve risk communication and coherency in the healthcare system as well as enhance understanding and management of CCiP without inducing stigmatisation or medicalisation.