Transition from paediatric to adult care: a qualitative study of the experiences of young adults with type 1 diabetes

Transition from Paediatric to Adult Diabetes Care in People with Type 1 Diabetes: An Online Survey from France

INTRODUCTION

The transition from paediatric to adult diabetes care (TPA) of children/adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) represents a unique challenge and remains a critical phase in the T1D care pathway. This study aims to describe and understand the experience of the transition process from a participant's perspective in young adults who are living in France with T1D and to measure their satisfaction.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was presented to people with T1D in France on a global online participant community platform. The questionnaire was developed by a scientific committee including paediatric and adult diabetologists and refined by a group of participants. Thematic qualitative analysis was performed on the responses.

RESULTS

A total of 104 respondents were included in the survey (mean age 24.4 years [95% CI 23.8-25.0]; 61.5% female). The mean age at the time of transition was 18.4 years (95% CI 17.8-18.9), and 56% of respondents had their first adult diabetology follow-up in the same institution. During TPA, of the 76 participants who experienced personal issues, 74% experienced at least one issue with their diabetes management in the months following the transition. In the following months, 61% experienced new or unexpected problems in monitoring their diabetes after transition and 44% reported unusual glycaemic imbalances, including hypoglycaemia (8%) and hyperglycaemia (9%) requiring hospitalisation. Presence of personal issues during TPA was significantly associated with occurrence of problems with diabetes management or glycaemic imbalance. Three factors identified for a successful transition were (i) early meeting with the 'adult' diabetes care team, (ii) letting the participants choose the right age to leave paediatric clinic and (iii) having good diabetes control at the beginning of the TPA process.

CONCLUSION

Most young adults with T1D report experiencing issues around TPA with significant consequences on their disease management. Hence, it is necessary to identify these issues to better support them and improve diabetes management during this phase.

Experiences of young people living with type 1 diabetes in transition to adulthood: The importance of care provider familiarity and support

BACKGROUND

During the developmental transition from childhood to adulthood, young people living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are more likely to take less care of their chronic disease. Alongside the developmental transition, young people with T1D also experience an organisational transition in which the care responsibility changes from a family-based approach in paediatric care to an individualised approach in adult care. Little is known from the perspective of the young people about what their interactions with the healthcare providers mean during these transitions.

AIM

The aim of this study is to explore how young people living with T1D experience interactions with their care providers, and what it means for their developmental transition.

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews with 10 respondents aged 18-20 living with T1D who were recruited from a youth outpatient diabetes clinic in Denmark. Recorded audio data were transcribed and analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach.

RESULTS

Young people experience continuity in the relationship with the diabetes nurse from the paediatric clinic and a personal patient-provider relationship with their well-known and new care providers. This creates a feeling of familiarity and contributes to a seamless transition. The young people express that becoming more involved in diabetes treatment increases their willingness to take more responsibility for their own health. They also express that care providers should support them in managing their diabetes and talk about sensitive topics.

CONCLUSION

Continuity in the relationship with the diabetes nurse makes the transition from paediatric to adult care more satisfying and seamless. To support the developmental transition, care providers should gradually involve young people more in diabetes management and be supportive as they become more independent during the developmental transition.

Qualitative study exploring the perspectives of emerging adults with type 1 diabetes after transfer to adult care from a paediatric diabetes centre in Montreal, Canada

INTRODUCTION

Among youth living with type 1 diabetes (T1D), the increasing demands to diabetes self-care and medical follow-up during the transition from paediatric to adult care has been associated with greater morbidity and mortality. Inadequate healthcare support for youth during the transition care period could exacerbate psychosocial risks and difficulties that are common during emerging adulthood. The current investigation sought to explore the post-transfer perceptions of emerging adults living with T1D relating to their transition to adult care.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Thirty-three emerging adults living with T1D were recruited during paediatric care and contacted for a semistructured interview post-transfer to adult care (16.2±4.2 months post-transfer) in Montreal, Canada. We analysed data using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

We identified four key themes: (1) varied perceptions of the transition process from being quick and abrupt with minimal advice or information from paediatric healthcare providers (HCP) to more positive including a greater motivation for self-management and the transition being concurrent with the developmental period; (2) facilitators to the transition process included informational and tangible social support from HCPs and family or friends, a positive relationship with adult HCP and a greater ease in communicating with the adult care clinic or adult HCP; (3) barriers to adequate transition included lack of advice or information from paediatric HCPs, loss of support from HCPs and friends or family, the separation of healthcare services and greater difficulty in making appointments with adult clinic or HCP and (4) participants recommendations for improving the transition included increasing the length and frequency of appointments in adult care, having access to educational information, and better transition preparation from paediatric HCPs.

CONCLUSIONS

The experiences and perceptions of emerging adults are invaluable to guide the ongoing development and improvement of transition programmes for childhood-onset chronic illnesses.

Living with Type 1 Diabetes as Experienced by Adults with Prolonged Elevated HbA1c: A Qualitative Study

INTRODUCTION

High HbA1c levels in type 1 diabetes (T1D) are associated with increased risk of micro- and macrovascular complications and severe diabetes distress. A more comprehensive understanding of the adult perspective of living with T1D can improve the quality of care. We aimed to describe experiences of living with T1D as an adult with prolonged elevated HbA1c.

METHODS

Thirteen adults with T1D and HbA1c > 60 mmol/mol (7.6%) for at least 1 year were individually interviewed via a digital platform. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

The analysis identified an overarching theme, "a lifelong follower", and generated two main categories describing study participants' experience: constraining and manageable. Constraining experiences were explained in obligated control, loss of control, environmental impact, and consequences of diabetes. Manageable experiences were described in everyday life, approach to diabetes, and support in life. Diabetes knowledge in health care and in the general public, and individualized care were important factors in feeling understood, safe, and supported.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings revealed the diverse experiences of adults with prolonged elevated HbA1c. Living with T1D, a lifelong non-chosen follower, could be perceived as constraining but manageable in different degrees. A person-centered care approach addressing both dimensions may be beneficial. Experiences of living with and managing diabetes are multifaceted and intertwined with life context and medical prerequisites.

How Families Manage the Complex Medical Needs of Their Children with MECP2 Duplication Syndrome

MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) is a rare, X-linked, neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from the duplication of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. The clinical features of MDS include severe intellectual disability, global developmental delay, seizures, recurrent respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal problems. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how the parents of children with MDS manage their child's seizures, recurrent respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal symptoms, and the impact on them as parents. The data were coded into three categories: (1) complex care needs in the home, (2) highly skilled caregivers, and (3) impact on caregivers and families. Complex 24 h care was required and parents developed complex skillsets to ensure that this was delivered well to their child. The provision of extensive complex medical care in the home had an impact on parent mental and physical health, family dynamics, and finances. This study captures the management of high-burden comorbidities in MDS at home. Investigations into how best to support caregiver wellbeing to reduce their stresses, whilst maintaining optimal child health and wellbeing, are needed.

Evaluation of Psychological Resources of Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus During the Transition From Pediatric to Adult Diabetes Clinics: Multicenter Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

The transition period of patients with type 1 diabetes from pediatric to adult-oriented health care is associated with poorer glycemic control and less frequent clinic attendance. Fears and anxiety about the unknown, care approach differences in adult settings, and sadness about leaving the pediatric provider all contribute to a patient's reluctance to transition.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the psychological parameters of young patients with type 1 diabetes transitioning to an adult outpatient clinic during the first visit.

METHODS

We examined 50 consecutive patients (n=28, 56% female) transitioning from March 2, 2021, to November 21, 2022, into adult care (3 diabetes centers from 3 regions in southern Poland: A, n=16; B, n=21; and C, n=13) and their basic demographic information. They completed the following psychological questionnaires: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Acceptance of Illness Scale, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale Form C, Courtauld Emotional Control Scale, and Quality of Life Questionnaire Diabetes. We compared their data with those for the general healthy population and patients with diabetes from Polish Test Laboratory validation studies.

RESULTS

During the first adult outpatient visit, patients' mean age was 19.2 (SD 1.4) years, with a diabetes duration of 9.8 (SD 4.3) years and BMI of 23.5 (SD 3.1) kg/m². Patients came from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds: 36% (n=18) live in villages, 26% (n=13) live in towns with ≤100,000 inhabitants, and 38% (n=19) live in bigger cities. Regarding therapy type, 68% (n=34) were treated with insulin pump therapy, whereas 32% (n=16) were treated with multiple daily injections. Patients from center A had a mean glycated hemoglobin level of 7.5% (SD 1.2%). There was no difference regarding the level of life satisfaction, perceived level of stress, and state anxiety between the patients and reference populations. Patients had similar health locus of control and negative emotions control to the general population of patients with diabetes. Most patients (n=31, 62%) believe that control over their health depends on themselves, whereas 52% (n=26) believe that it depends mostly on others. Patients had higher levels of suppression of negative emotions-anger, depression, and anxiety-than the age-matched general population. Additionally, the patients were characterized by a higher acceptance of illness and higher level of self-efficacy compared to the reference populations: 64% (n=32) had a high level of self-efficacy and 26% (n=13) had a high level of life satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that young patients transitioning to adult outpatient clinics have good psychological resources and coping mechanisms, which might result in adequate adaptation and adult life satisfaction including future metabolic control. These result also disprove the stereotypes that young people with chronic disease have worse life perspectives when entering adulthood.

Improving the transition from paediatric to adult healthcare: a scoping review on the recommendations of young adults with lived experience

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this review was to identify recommendations within the literature on how to improve the transition from paediatric to adult healthcare from the perspective of young adults (YAs) living with chronic conditions who have gone through the process.

DESIGN

This review was conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for scoping reviews.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), PsycINFO (EBSCO) and EMBASE (Elsevier) databases, and conducted a grey literature search for relevant material. The databases were searched in December 2019, and re-searched June 2020 and September 2020, while the grey literature was searched in April 2020. This scoping review focused on the recommendations of YAs with chronic conditions who have transitioned from paediatric to adult healthcare, in any setting (eg, hospital, clinic or community), and across all sectors (eg, health, education and social services).

RESULTS

Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria for this review. These studies included YAs with 14 different chronic conditions, receiving primary health services in North America (67%) and Europe (33%). YAs' recommendations for improving the transition from paediatric to adult healthcare (n=number of studies reported) included: improving continuity of care (n=12); facilitating patient-centred care (n=9); building strong support networks (n=11) and implementing transition education preparedness training (n=7).

CONCLUSION

Review findings can benefit service delivery by addressing important barriers to health, education, and social services for youth transitioning to adult healthcare.

Sexual dysfunction in women with type 1 diabetes in Norway: A qualitative study of women's experiences

AIM

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of sexual health and sexual challenges in women with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

We used a qualitative study design and conducted semistructured interviews with 15 women (26-57 years) with T1D. The participants were recruited based on their Female Sexual Function Index score that indicated sexual dysfunction. We used thematic analysis to analyse the data.

RESULTS

We generated three themes, each with subthemes: (1) Diabetes is present at all times (subthemes: having diabetes is onerous, and diabetes affects the relationship with my partner); (2) various challenges related to sexual health (subthemes: experiencing reduced sexual desire and physical challenges, and challenges related to sexual health affect the relationship with my partner); and (3) diabetes may affect sexual function (subthemes: glucose levels and technical devices may have an impact on sexual function, and sexual health should be addressed in diabetes follow-up).

CONCLUSIONS

The women with T1D experienced different challenges related to their sexual health. The most common were reduced sexual desire, vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing sexual health in diabetes follow-up to provide comprehensive health services to people with diabetes.

Understanding of the transition to adult healthcare services among individuals with VACTERL association in Sweden: A qualitative study

Current knowledge of transitional care from the perspective of individuals with congenital malformations is scarce. Their viewpoints are required for the development of follow-up programs and transitional care corresponding to patients’ needs. The study aimed to describe expectations, concerns, and experiences in conjunction with transfer to adult health care among adolescents, young adults, and adults with VACTERL association, (i.e. vertebral defects, anorectal malformations (ARM), cardiac defects (CHD), esophageal atresia (EA), renal, and limb abnormalities). Semi-structured telephone interviews were performed and analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Of 47 invited individuals, 22 participated (12 males and 10 females). An overarching theme emerged: Leaving the safe nest of pediatric health care for an unfamiliar and uncertain follow up yet growing in responsibility and appreciating the adult health care. The participants described expectations of qualified adult health care but also concerns about the process and transfer to an unfamiliar setting. Individuals who were transferred described implemented or absence of preparations. Positive and negative experiences of adult health care were recounted including being treated as adults. The informants described increasing involvement in health care but were still supported by their parents. Ongoing follow up of health conditions was recounted but also uncertainty around the continuation, missing follow up and limited knowledge of how to contact health care. The participants recommended information ahead of transfer and expressed wishes for continued health care with regular follow up and accessibility to a contact person. Based on the participants’ perspective, a transitional plan is required including early information about transfer and follow up to prepare the adolescents and reduce uncertainty concerning future health care. Meetings with the pediatric and adult team together with the patient and the parents are essential before transfer. Follow up should be centralized to centers with multi-professional teams well-experienced with the condition. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the transition process for adolescents and young adults with complex congenital health conditions.

Barriers and facilitators of type 1 diabetes self-care in adolescents and young adults

PURPOSE

This study explores the disease experience of adolescents and young adults with T1DM focusing on the barriers and facilitators that characterise their disease self-care. Self-care requires complex decision making and cooperation between patients, their families, the healthcare team, and the social support system. Personal and social factors affect self-care, and specific challenges impact adolescents and young adults, putting them at a higher risk of poor glycaemic control and more severe complications.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The study uses a qualitative description approach. Twenty-two people (15 women; 10-30 years old; 2-24 years from diagnosis) were purposefully recruited through snowballing techniques. Data were collected with semi-structured interviews and analysed inductively with semantic thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four themes and nine subthemes conceptualise the patients' experience as a life-long journey that has its difficult beginning at the time of diagnosis and continues through the resolution of the initial crisis by integrating disease at the identity level and acquiring expertise. Technology and social environment act both as self-care barriers and facilitators.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight the importance of designing and improving technology related to diabetes accounting for patients' experiences. Second, it is imperative to work towards a de-stigmatisation of diabetes. Finally, health professionals should work with people with T1DM on the psychological aspects of the disease and identity integration.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Diabetes-related technology should promote usability and acceptability while addressing visibility and device burden issues. Clinicians should pay particular attention during the transition from the paediatric to the adult centres and offer global assessments and treatment.

Competing Demands of Young Adulthood and Diabetes: A Discussion of Major Life Changes and Strategies for Health Care Providers to Promote Successful Balance

Young adults (YAs) are often faced with many new transitions and major milestones specific to their life stage. For YAs with diabetes, it can be particularly difficult to balance diabetes management with the age-typical demands of young adulthood. Clinicians can play an important role in helping YAs navigate major life changes and find balance in the competing demands of young adulthood, while protecting their health and well-being.

Exploring the attitudes and experiences of adolescents with type 1 diabetes towards transition of care

Introduction

Transition from adolescence to adult care is very challenging for most patients. Without appropriate appointments and education, adolescents can get lost to follow up within one-year of transitioning to adult care (Mistry et al. Diabet Med 32(7):881–885, 2015). Loss to follow-up can increase risks of adverse short and long term diabetes-related complications, with healthcare contacts mainly limited to crisis-based management (Iversen et al. Scand J Caring Sci 33(3):723–730, 2019).

Aims

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patient’s perspective of the process of transition from paediatric to adult-based diabetes services in the Mid-West Region of Ireland.

Methods

We implemented a new transition clinic at University Hospital Limerick with the collaboration of paediatric and adult endocrinology teams. Eighteen patients opted to attend the clinic, but only 17 patients consented to participate in a qualitative assessment study and completed questionnaires before and after the transition clinic.

Results and conclusion

In terms of medical management, patients had a good understanding of hypoglycaemia and insulin dose adjustment principles, but were least comfortable with carbohydrate counting. Patients self-ranked their knowledge on driving and sexual health with a diagnosis of diabetes as poor, in comparison to understanding effects of alcohol and smoking on diabetes. Overall, a majority of the respondents felt more confident in moving to adult-care after attending the transition clinic.

Young adults with type 1 diabetes and their experiences with diabetes follow-up and participation in the DiaPROM pilot trial: A qualitative study

AIM

To explore young adults' experiences of outpatient follow-up appointments, completing electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs), and using the Problem Areas In Diabetes (PAID) scale during the Diabetes Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (DiaPROM) pilot trial.

METHODS

We performed a qualitative study among 19 young adults (aged 22-39 years) with type 1 diabetes who participated in the pilot trial. Between February and June 2019, we conducted individual, semi-structured telephone interviews with participants from the intervention and control arms. We analysed the data using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Our analyses generated three themes, each with two subthemes: (1) Follow-up with limitations; (i) Marginal dialogue about everyday challenges, (ii) Value of supportive relationships and continuity, indicate that previous follow-up had been experienced as challenging and insufficient. (2) New insights and raised awareness; (i) More life-oriented insights, (ii) Moving out of the comfort zone, suggest mostly positive experiences with completing questionnaires and discussing the PAID scores. (3) Addressing problem areas with an open mind; (i) Need for elaboration, (ii) Preparedness for dialogue, indicate that both openness and explanations were vital in the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants characterised the previous follow-up as challenging and insufficient. They described completing and using the PAID as somewhat uncomfortable yet worthwhile. Our findings also suggest that by utilising diabetes distress data alongside health and biomedical outcomes, consultations became more attuned to the young adults' wishes and needs, mainly because the dialogue was more focused and direct. Hence, the PAID has the potential to facilitate person-centredness and improve patient-provider relationships.

Use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in clinical diabetes consultations: the DiaPROM randomised controlled pilot trial

OBJECTIVE

To pilot test the proposed DiaPROM trial components and address uncertainties associated with conducting a full-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate whether such a trial is feasible.

DESIGN

Two-arm pilot RCT.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged ≥18-39 years, with minimum 1 year type 1 diabetes duration, attending outpatient follow-up. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy, severe cognitive, somatic or psychiatric conditions and impaired vision.

RANDOMISATION AND INTERVENTION

All participants completed electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) prior to the annual diabetes consultation. Using computer-generated block-randomisation without blinding, we assigned participants in a 1:1 ratio stratified by sex to receive standard care or an intervention. Physicians reviewed diabetes distress scores (Problem Areas In Diabetes scale) and referred individuals with scores ≥30 or single item(s) ≥3 to minimum two diabetes nurse consultations where reported problems were reviewed and discussed.

OUTCOMES

Recruitment and retention rates; participants perceptions about intervention components. Variance and estimated between-group differences in follow-up scores (Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS), WHO 5-Well-being Index, Perceived Competence for Diabetes Scale and glycaemic control) and DDS correlation with baseline scores, to assist sample size calculations.

RESULTS

We randomised 80 participants to the control or intervention arm (one participant was later excluded). 23/39 intervention arm participants qualified for additional consultations and 17 attended. 67/79 attended the 12-month follow-up (15.2% attrition); 5/17 referred to additional consultations were lost to follow-up (29.4% attrition). Participants reported PROMs as relevant (84.6%) and acceptable (97.4%) but rated the usefulness of consultations as moderate to low. Baseline mean±SD DDS score was 2.1±0.69; DDS SD was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.60 to 0.86) at follow-up; correlation between baseline and follow-up DDS scores was 0.8 (95% CI: 0.7 to 0.9).

CONCLUSIONS

The pilot trial revealed need for intervention modifications ahead of a full-scale trial to evaluate use of PROMs in diabetes consultations. Specifically, participant acceptability and intervention implementation need further investigation.

Health Care Transition in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes and an A1C >9%: Qualitative Analysis of Pre-Transition Perspectives

OBJECTIVE | To explore expectations for transition to adult care and experiences with transition planning among adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes and an A1C >9% at a tertiary care U.S. pediatric center. METHODS | We conducted semi-structured interviews in a purposive sample of patients 14-23 years of age who had had type 1 diabetes for at least 1 year and had an A1C >9%. A multidisciplinary team conducted iterative thematic analysis with deductive and inductive coding aided by NVivo software. RESULTS | Fourteen subjects participated (nine adolescents and five young adults, mean age 17.1 ± 3.2 years, 57% male, 79% Caucasian, 14% Hispanic, diabetes duration 8.2 ± 4.6 years, mean A1C 10.0 ± 0.8% for adolescents and 10.1 ± 0.7% for young adults). Qualitative analysis yielded four key themes. The first was lack of formal preparation; participants of all ages demonstrated a lack of preparation for transition and ignorance about the process, describing it as coming "out of the blue." The second was a desire for delayed and gradual transition; participants wanted to defer being "serious" about transition to a later/uncertain date, with a preference to "wait until I'm older" among all ages. Participants described ideal transition as a gradual process, taking place "a little at a time." The third was attachment to pediatric providers; participants demonstrated a nearly universal attachment to and "familiarity" with their pediatric diabetes care providers and expressed worries about an "uncomfortable" transition to adult providers. The fourth was concern about an impersonal adult care setting: participants perceived adult care as "formal," "scarier," and "tougher," with increased criticism about poor control; participants expressed fear that adult providers would not "know me" or appreciate "my diabetes journey." CONCLUSION | We demonstrated a lack of transition preparation and anxiety about transition and adult care among youth with type 1 diabetes and elevated A1C. Our results may help guide early, iterative pediatric transition counseling, with a special focus on addressing attachment and fears about adult diabetes care.