Publications by authors named "Dilisha Patel"
Objective: Implementing teleophthalmology into the optometric referral pathway may ease the current pressures on hospital eye services caused by over-referrals from some optometrists. This study aimed to understand the practical implications of implementing teleophthalmology by analysing lived experiences and perceptions of teleophthalmology in the optometric referral pathway for suspected retinal conditions.
Design: Qualitative in-depth interview study SETTING: Fourteen primary care optometry practices and four secondary care hospital eye services from four NHS Foundation Trusts across the UK.
Article Synopsis
- The study analyzes how health behaviors change in pregnant women before and during pregnancy, focusing on factors like smoking and alcohol consumption.
- A survey of 1,173 pregnant women revealed that many planned their pregnancies and adopted healthier behaviors, with a significant reduction in smoking and drinking.
- The findings suggest that women who plan their pregnancies are more likely to quit unhealthy habits beforehand, highlighting the need for targeted support for those who struggle to change.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of men attending antenatal care with their partners at three London Maternity Units. We assessed level of pregnancy planning using the partner version of the London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy (LMUP), preconception health behaviours, and whether they had sought information and health professional advice before conception.
Main Results: We recruited 573 men (91% response rate).
The nutritional status of both women and men before conception has profound implications for the growth, development, and long-term health of their offspring. Evidence of the effectiveness of preconception interventions for improving outcomes for mothers and babies is scarce. However, given the large potential health return, and relatively low costs and risk of harm, research into potential interventions is warranted.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Preconception health and care aims to reduce parental risk factors before pregnancy through health promotion and intervention. Little is known about the preconception interventions that general practitioners (GPs) provide. The aim of this study was to examine GPs' knowledge, attitudes, and views towards preconception health and care in the general practice setting.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Despite the importance attributed to good pre-pregnancy care and its potential to improve pregnancy and child health outcomes, relatively little is known about why women invest in pre-pregnancy health and care. We sought to gain insight into why women invested in pre-pregnancy health and care.
Methods: We carried out 20 qualitative in-depth interviews with pregnant or recently pregnant women who were drawn from a survey of antenatal clinic attendees in London, UK.
Main Objective: To determine the extent to which women plan and prepare for pregnancy.
Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire survey of pregnant women attending three maternity services in London about knowledge and uptake of preconception care; including a robust measure of pregnancy planning, and phone interviews with a range of health care professionals.
Main Results: We recruited 1173/1288 (90%) women, median age of 32 years.