1166-P: Identifying Knowledge Strengths and Deficits of Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Abstract

Among challenges that young adults with T1D face in their care are expectations for independence with healthcare system navigation and diabetes knowledge competency. This is a particular concern given increased hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and complications among young adults. A 50-item diabetes-specific knowledge assessment (KA) was developed and utilized in a young adult diabetes program to identify the areas of strength and deficits to guide education and care. To identify the competency of diabetes knowledge, KA items were categorized to describe strengths, deficits, and variable responses. A retrospective chart review was performed in patients with T1D transferring from Texas Children's Hospital to a single adult endocrinology program. Inclusion criteria included T1D for >1 year and completion of KA by diabetes educator or provider. Each KA item was scored on a 1-4 scale (4 = high). Scores were grouped into 3 categories: strengths as >80% of the young adults scoring ≥3, deficits as >50% score <3, and Variable (V) not meeting criteria for strength nor deficit. Over 4.5 years, 142 patients had KAs (M age 20.5 ± 1.4 yrs, HbA1c = 8.8 ± 1.9%, T1D duration = 10.4 ± 4.7 yrs, 54% pump, 52% CGM). KA strengths (18) included questions addressing insurance card, safe sex practices, teaching treatment of mild hypoglycemia, and insulin pump management. KA deficits (11) included diabetes specific knowledge, alcohol use, tobacco, pregnancy, and acute and chronic complications of diabetes. Variable questions (21) included diabetes pathophysiology, identifying an adult PCP and hospital, and counting carbohydrates. Complications of diabetes, the effect of alcohol on blood glucose, glucagon administration, and pregnancy and diabetes should be re-educated upon transfer to adult healthcare. Questions related to insurance cards, safe sex, and insulin pump management may not need to be immediately prioritized at transfer. Further research with this KA will validate it for implementation in clinics and research. Disclosure E.A.Kubota-mishra: None. N.Miranda: None. M.E.Hilliard: None. S.Mckay: None.