Using an Expert Panel to Develop Social Support Program Sequencing for Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) frequently experience suboptimal health outcomes, including poor glycemic control.
• Social support initiatives offer a promising avenue for enhancing T1DM self-management among this demographic.
• Optimizing social support programs through careful planning and personalization is essential for improving health results for young adults with T1DM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify essential components for social support programs designed for young adults with T1DM.
• To gather insights from individuals with T1DM to inform program development.

Main Methods:

• An expert panel, predominantly comprising young adults with T1DM, was convened.
• Nominal Group Technique and Ideawriting exercises were employed during exploratory panel meetings.
• Four individuals with T1DM participated in the panel sessions.

Main Results:

• Six primary themes emerged, highlighting critical challenges faced by young adults with T1DM.
• Identified areas of difficulty include adherence to self-care, nutritional management, stress coping mechanisms, social navigation, and healthcare system interaction.
• These themes represent key issues requiring targeted support within T1DM programs.

Conclusions:

• Integrating findings into existing or new support programs can enhance discussions for young adults with T1DM.
• Addressing identified challenges can lead to more effective self-management and improved health outcomes.
• A co-designed approach ensures programs are relevant and impactful for the target population.