1171-P: The Challenges of Implementing a Clinic-Based Peer Support Program for Young People with T1D—The DiaBuddies Study

Abstract

Aim: Many adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with T1D express a desire to meet others with T1D. We designed a pilot peer support program (DiaBuddies) and assessed feasibility of the match process and program implementation. Methods: Eligible participants (13-25 years old) were recruited and enrolled virtually. After informed consent, participants completed questions about preferred match type (peer vs mentor vs mentee), personal interests, and reasons for entry. Study staff “matched” AYAs 1:1 based on shared interests and mutual preferences on match type. Matches were introduced by email and encouraged to interact using any modality (e.g., text, video, in-person) and frequency they preferred. Study staff did not monitor interactions. Results: Eighteen AYAs (94% female, 89% non-Hispanic white, age 18.9±6.0, T1D duration 8.5±3.3 years) were enrolled from April-December 2022. Median time between first contact and consent was 14 days (range 4-63). The majority (83%) preferred a same-age peer match. Reasons for participation included: not knowing many people with T1D, wanting to discuss T1D with people who shared their experiences, and feeling eager to give advice and support. Six pairs (n=12) have been matched; median time between consent and match was 40 days (range 25-133). Unmatched participants (n=6) have been waiting a median of 131 days (range 21-196) for a suitable match. During the study, 2 participants expressed disappointment that their match was not responsive to messages, and 5 participants expressed excitement about knowing someone new with T1D. Conclusion: The DiaBuddies pilot study presented challenges with virtual recruitment and matching AYAs on shared interests. Open-ended questions limited opportunity to match objectively, affecting participant wait time and possibly decreasing enthusiasm. Future programs should incorporate lessons learned by modifying the match process to better facilitate AYAs’ desired type and frequency of peer support. Disclosure P.Commissariat: None. H.L.Owens: None. L.K.Volkening: None. L.M.Laffel: Advisory Panel; Medtronic, Lilly Diabetes, Novo Nordisk, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, Roche Diagnostics, Provention Bio, Inc., Consultant; Dexcom, Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Medscape. Funding JDRF; National Institutes of Health (P30DK036836)