Interconception care in Australian general practice: a qualitative study

Background: General practitioners (GPs) provide care for women across the lifespan. This currently includes preconception and postpartum phases of a woman’s life. Interconception (ICC) addresses women’s health issues between pregnancies that then have impact on maternal infant outcomes, such as lifestyle biomedical risks, interpregnancy intervals contraception provision. However, ICC in general practice is not well established. Aim: To explore GP perspectives about ICC. Design setting: Qualitative interviews were undertaken with GPs May July 2018. Methods: 18 purposively recruited from south-eastern Australia. Audio-recorded semi-structured transcribed verbatim analysed thematically using Framework Method. Results: Most participants unfamiliar concept interconception care. Delivery was mainly opportunistic, depending presenting need. Rather than distinct required intervention, conceptualised components forming part routine practice. described many challenges including lack clarity recommended content timing, engagement perceived value mothers time constraints during consultations. Facilitators included continuity availability patient education material. Conclusion: Findings indicate familiar who feel they limited capacity to deliver Further research evaluate potential models before improvements can be developed, trialled evaluated. These could include co-location multidisciplinary services combination child visits.