Conference Resources | Abstracts
September 3
rd
– 6
th
, 2014 | Toronto, Canada |
240
P152
Moving on…with diabetes: supporting successful transition for young adults with type 1
diabetes
K. Pianosi
1
, E.A. Cummings
1,2,3
, M. Dunbar
3
1
Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada,
2
IWK Health Centre, Pediatrics, Halifax, Canada,
3
Diabetes
Care Program of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Canada
Transition from pediatric to adult care for youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is challenging.
Unsuccessful transition is associated with diabetes complications. This project aimed to promote,
disseminate, and obtain feedback on 2 new patient transition resources created by the Diabetes Care
Program of Nova Scotia: a handbook and accompanying app, designed to be practical, with checklists,
tips for success, and memory aids.
Informal information sessions were hosted by a young adult with T1D and transition experience, for
youth ages 16-20 (& optional parent/support person) at 3 sites across the province of Nova Scotia.
Events were approximately 90-minutes and involved: dissemination of the handbook, introduction to
the app, and discussion of transition issues highlighted in the tools (e.g. appointments, insurance,
travel, transition to university, driving). For part of each session, parents were hosted separately.
Feedback was obtained immediately on the session through an evaluation form and on the transition
tools two weeks later via electronic survey.
Of 20 participants (10 youth; 10 parent/support), 19 completed evaluations at the end of the event.
Most
participants found the session “very informative” and liked the “relaxed/comfortable/social
environment.” The only suggestion for improvement was to make it longer (2/19). 26% requested
“more/regular social events.” From preliminary results of the online s
urvey (n=7), 71% found the
handbook very helpful (5/5) on a 5-point scale. 43% (3) stated that the checklists were one of the most
helpful aspects of the handbook. Only 3 people used the mobile app but reported ease of use as
helpful.
Although small, this project highlights the need for peer support during the period of transition for
youth with T1D. It also illustrates that a social gathering or information session can be an effective
forum for knowledge translation for youth and parents. Preliminary responses suggest the tools were
well received.
