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

• DOI: 10.1007/s10389-021-01628-5
• Publication Date: 2021-07-19T22:02:31Z
• Authors: Saskia D’Sa; Deirdre J. Foley; Kerrie Hennigan; Maria Kelly-Conroy; Anne Quinn; Mary Norris; Therese Dunne; Yvonne Moloney; Sarah Fitzpatrick; Eoin Noctor; Orla M. Neylon; C. S. O’Gorman
• Keywords: Adult care

Abstract Introduction Transition from adolescence to adult care is very challenging for most patients. Without appropriate appointments and education, adolescents can get lost follow up within one-year of transitioning (Mistry et al. Diabet Med 32(7):881–885, 2015). Loss follow-up increase risks adverse short long term diabetes-related complications, with healthcare contacts mainly limited crisis-based management (Iversen Scand J Caring Sci 33(3):723–730, 2019). Aims The purpose this study was evaluate the patient’s perspective process transition paediatric adult-based diabetes services in Mid-West Region Ireland. Methods We implemented a new clinic at University Hospital Limerick collaboration endocrinology teams. Eighteen patients opted attend clinic, but only 17 consented participate qualitative assessment completed questionnaires before after clinic. Results conclusion In terms medical management, had good understanding hypoglycaemia insulin dose adjustment principles, were least comfortable carbohydrate counting. Patients self-ranked their knowledge on driving sexual health diagnosis as poor, comparison effects alcohol smoking diabetes. Overall, majority respondents felt more confident moving adult-care attending