Finding straight answers: identifying the needs of parents and service providers of adolescents with type 1 diabetes to aid in the creation of an online support intervention

Abstract

Parents and service providers indicate the need for information that is trusted, accurate and on a wide range of topics, within a preferred online environment. Supporting parents during this difficult time includes directing them to appropriate and accessible resources, facilitating a positive, healthy process of transition to interdependence, in their parenting of adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

The experiences and impact of transition from child to adult healthcare services for young people with Type 1 diabetes: a systematic review

“…In addition, there may be differences in the type and range of services that they are able to access . Coinciding with adolescents’ increasing independence is the reduction in parental responsibility, which may be stressful and fear‐inducing for parents who are not confident in their children's abilities to manage their condition adequately . This all occurs within the context of the volatile time that characterizes emerging adulthood, when a variety of possible life directions are explored, the influence of peer risk‐taking behaviour is significant, and mental health issues reach high rates .…”

Technology Use in Transition-Age Patients With Type 1 Diabetes

“…Some programs have provided both clinic-based and online support groups with access to medical providers as well as peers that focused on providing information and support to improve the transition process. 9,10 Another focus has been changes to the actual clinic visits by offering joint or transition clinics. [11][12][13] A third approach involves a health care staff member who helps coordinate the transition period.…”

“…[11][12][13] A third approach involves a health care staff member who helps coordinate the transition period. [14][15][16][17] These various approaches [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] have shown limited and variable improvements with adjustment to and acceptance of T1D, improvements in A1c, reduction in short-term health complications, engagement with services, and successful transfer of care from pediatric to adult providers. A more robust transition process has been recommended given the potential short-and long-term effects on health outcomes and variability with current attempts.…”

Parents' experiences, needs, and preferences in pediatric diabetes care: Suggestions for improvement of care and the possible role of the Internet. A qualitative study

“…The parents of a child with T1D have a need for concise and practical disease information, which was reported earlier (Holtslander, Kornder, Letourneau, Turner, & Paterson, ; Nordfeldt, Angarne‐Lindberg, Nordwall, & Krevers, ). Parents indicated getting easily overwhelmed by the amount and the nature of information on the Internet, which potentially increased uncertainty and anxiety.…”