544-P: Communication between Adolescents/Young Adults and Health Care Providers during Routine T1D Care

Abstract

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are at higher risk for diabetes self-care challenges and elevated A1c. Understanding AYA/health care provider (HCP) communication may provide insight to better support T1D management. The current study examined content and quality of AYA/HCP communication during routine T1D care. Methods: Thirty-two AYAs (M age=20.5 ± 9.1 yrs; 53.1% male; 43.8% non-Hispanic Black; M A1c=8.± 1.4%) and 9 HCPs (100% female) participating in an RCT promoting AYA health communication had a routine T1D visit audio-recorded and transcribed. A coding framework was developed to assess communication content and quality, including: AYA initiation, self-disclosure, preparation, and future planning; HCP goal setting, supportive language, problem-solving, education/information sharing, and warnings/threats. Coders double and triple-coded transcripts until 90% agreement was reached. Chi square analyses evaluated associations among codes. Results: Routine T1D visits were primarily attended by AYAs alone (78.1%), ranging from 8-45 min (M=30.3 ±9.3). AYAs and HCPs spoke 27.0% and 69.1% of the visit, respectively. T1D adherence, lifestyle adherence, and developmental issues were discussed in all visits (100%); insurance, mental health, and T1D support systems were each discussed in 53.1% of visits. AYA preparation (e.g., bringing glucose values, regimen knowledge) was positively associated with HCP supportive language (X2(1,N=32)=5.7, p=.02) and HCP education (X2(1,N=32)=8.3, p<.01). HCP warnings/threats were identified in 25% of visits; 75% of AYAs in these visits had A1c levels ≥7.0%. Conclusion: Results highlight reciprocal AYA-HCP communication. Improving AYA preparation for T1D care visits may facilitate more efficient and informative AYA-HCP interactions, potentially leading to improved T1D outcomes. Future studies will evaluate associations among communication and T1D outcomes over time, including A1c and transition to adult care. Disclosure M. E. Zinn: None. C. H. Wang: None. B. Bryant: None. M. Monaghan: None. Funding American Diabetes Association/Pathway to Stop Diabetes (1-18-ACE-27 to M.M.)