A survey of healthcare professionals' awareness of vitamin D supplementation in pregnancy, infancy and childhood- midwives, gps and health visitors have their say

Aims Reported cases of childhood vitamin D deficient rickets in the UK are rising. The Department of Health (DoH) and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence have recognised this and devised guidelines on vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood. ‘Healthy Start’, a recent Government initiative, allows access to free vitamin D for women and children from low-income families. Despite these measures, evidence suggests that supplementation rates remain poor. The aim of our study is to assess the awareness of vitamin D supplementation among different key groups of healthcare professionals. Methods Questionnaires were distributed to health visitors, general practitioners (GPs), and midwives within a South London borough from June to July 2010. Abstract G18(P) Figure 1 Which healthcare professionals routinely advise Vitamin D supplementation? Abstract G18(P) Figure 2 For those who do not advise routine vitamin D supplementation, which high-risk groups are identified? Abstract G18(P) Figure 3 How many health professionals knew more than one risk factor for vitamin D supplementation? Abstract G18(P) Figure 4 Which GPs and health visitors knew of an occasion (s) when to supplement non breast fed infants/children? Abstract G18(P) Figure 5 Which groups of healthcare professionals are aware of “Healthy Start” scheme? Abstract G18(P) Figure 6 How many GPs, health visitors and midwives requested further clarity on vitamin D supplementation guidelines? Results A total of 77/116 healthcare professionals responded. Pregnant women were routinely advised about supplementation by 8/34 (24%) midwives and 2/21 (10%) GPs. Supplementation advice for breastfeeding women and breast-fed babies was given by 10/22 (45%) health visitors and 3/21 (14%) GPs. Of those who do not routinely advise supplementation, 8/12 (67%) health visitors and 17/26 (65%) midwives targeted one or more high-risk groups, compared to 2/19 (11%) GPs. One or more occasions when formula fed children would need supplementation was recognised by 13% of GPs and 68% of health visitors. Knowledge of vitamin D deficient rickets was evident in 96% of health visitors and fewer midwives (53%). No GPs, 65% of midwives and 95% of health visitors were aware of ‘Healthy Start’. All groups requested further clarity on vitamin D supplementation (95% of GPs, 74% of midwives and 50% of health visitors). Conclusions Less than half of the health visitors and fewer midwives routinely advised vita