The HealthPathways team have updated the Nausea, Vomiting, and hyperemesis in Pregnancy pathway in response to the release of new guidelines by NSW health, and the development of new referral pathways for patients to access care.
Obstetric specialists and lead midwives from multiple centres across the Mid and North Coast collaborated with the HealthPathways team to update the pathway. The pathway is one of many covering a wide range of antenatal topics, available on the site.
The pathway incorporates the use of the PUQE (Pregnancy Unique Quantification of Emesis/Nausea) index to assess severity of the patient’s symptoms. Early recognition of the severity is vital in guiding optimal patient management, including referral if appropriate. The management section of the pathway includes the latest evidence-based advice relating to pharmacological options. There is a focus on the holistic and multidisciplinary approach required to care for these patients, acknowledging the significant emotional, psychological, physical, and financial distress that can result for patients and their families.
The pathway also links to an updated referral page, to add the new pilot services being developed for patients with hyperemesis throughout the local health district. This includes a description of the referral criteria and service information by region. Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Grafton and Tweeds Heads now have services available (with further services planned for Kempsey and Macksville). These services provide important access to quick and effective management of symptoms for patients. Early aggressive management is recognised as being most effective and prior to the development of these services patients would often need to attend Emergency Departments for hydration with intravenous fluids.
Local health care providers may be keen to learn about some upcoming education opportunities relevant to this topic:
22/08/2023 19.30, RACGP webinar on Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy and Hyperemesis Gravidarum.
31/10/2023 19.00, Presenters from MNCLHD and NNSW LHD will be running a webinar aimed at providing local education around management options and local referral pathways for patients experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum.
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and relevant referral pathways will also be discussed at Antenatal Shared Care education events being held around the region – for further information on these events please refer to the HNC events calendar.
HealthPathways are also keen to share the news that there is a new HealthPathways resource for GPs. The GP to GP referral pathway enables those with a special interest, expertise, or qualification to register to receive patient referrals from colleagues.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we live and work, the Bundjalung, Arakwal, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Githabul, Dunghutti and Birpai Nations, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future.
