555-P: Modalities for Diabetes Technology Education—Perspectives and Priorities from Caregivers, Youth, and Clinicians

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid transition to telemedicine. The unique benefits and challenges of virtual diabetes technology education must be considered as we adapt educational methods to meet the individual needs and preferences of youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their families.

Methods: Parent-youth dyads ages 8-12 and diabetes clinicians participated in ~45 minute semi-structured interviews about unmet diabetes technology educational needs. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Modified inductive coding with two independent coders was used for thematic analysis. Twenty percent of interviews were double coded to ensure dependability of the data. Thematic saturation was achieved.

Results: Twenty parent-youth dyads (Mage child 10.7 yrs, 65% female youth, MT1D duration 3.9 yrs; Mage parent 40.6yrs, 85% mothers) and 8 clinicians (Mage 39.8 yrs, Mexperience 8.0 yrs) were interviewed. Three themes emerged: 1) Although virtual education minimized time away from work and school, families and clinicians overwhelmingly preferred in-person education because it allowed for better focus and hands-on troubleshooting as families programmed and placed devices. 2) Problematic internet connections, difficulties visualizing and hearing the education, and distractions in the home setting made telehealth visits less preferred. 3) Physical aspects of diabetes technology education are best suited for hands-on, in-person learning whereas intellectual concepts can be taught virtually.

Conclusions: T1D families without prior virtual education experience are unlikely to recognize that physical aspects of education are best suited to in-person training. Considering transportation, uncompensated time away from work, access to a reliable internet connection, a quiet space in the home, and an appropriately sized screen for telemedicine may help to guide families in choosing the best modality for diabetes technology education.