117-OR: Provider Perspectives on Diabetes Education for Emerging Adults (EAs)

Abstract

Emerging adulthood, the developmental stage between 18 to 25 years, is a critical time when individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) assume self-care responsibility and transfer to adult care. Current diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) has been cited for not meeting the needs of EAs. Models addressing this problem need to be explored. This study was designed to gain perspectives on current DSMES delivery from DM providers. Methods: Health care professionals (HCPs, n=52, 40% endocrinologists, 34% diabetes care and education specialists) who provide adult care to EAs with T1DM completed an online survey designed to gain insights on the provision of DSMES to EAs. Results: Most HCPs (60%) were unsure or disagreed that EAs with T1DM received sufficient DSMES while in pediatric care. 74% felt strongly that their patients had not received adequate education to successfully transfer to adult care. In terms of frequency of DSMES, when asked 52% HCPs answered at every visit, 35% said annually, and 13% when a change in care was identified. Most HCPs (80%) agreed that one-to-one, in person visits are the best format for DSMES, but also agreed that telehealth (73%) could be used to augment DSMES delivery. Interestingly, 93% HCPS agreed that there was a role for a peer support. In considering use of CGM data and self-management, uniformly HCPs (99%) felt confident in their ability to interpret CGM data and reported reviewing downloads with EA at every visit (98%), however HCPs (92%) were not confident that EAs can self-manage diabetes in response to their CGM data. Conclusion: Efforts to engage EAs for improved participation in DSMES need to be explored for effective self-management. Disclosure N. Mehrotra: None. J.S. Krall: Research Support; Sanofi, Becton, Dickinson and Company. J. Ng: Research Support; Sanofi-Aventis U.S. L.M. Siminerio: Advisory Panel; Abbott. Research Support; Becton, Dickinson and Company, Sanofi.