Evaluating a multidisciplinary inpatient program for youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Among youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), older adolescents demonstrate more dysglycemia and less adherence to disease management. Poor disease management during this time of development can continue into adulthood, perpetuating the economic and health burden to the individual, health care system and society. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an inpatient multidisciplinary approach to treating youth with T1D. All T1D admissions to the 4 week Chronic Illness Management Program (CIMP) between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2017 were eligible for inclusion. Data related to physiological and psychosocial outcomes were compared between admission and discharge. Follow-up data, including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), psychosocial measures, and health care utilization, were collected at 3, 6, and 12 months after discharge to assess sustained changes. Fifty-seven T1D admissions were included in the sample. There was a significant reduction in mean HbA1c from admission (11.1%/98 mmol/mol) to discharge (9.1%/76 mmol/mol). Patients also demonstrated significant improvements in all psychosocial outcome measures. Improvements in HbA1c were sustained at 3 months follow-up; however, average values returned to baseline by 6 months follow-up. In contrast to preadmission history, the majority of the sample reported reduced crisis health care utilization 1 year after discharge. The inpatient setting provides an intensive treatment model for diabetes management that promotes sustainable behavior change 3 months after discharge. While additional community supports are needed for long-term improvement, this program model may benefit patients who have been unable to manage their diabetes with outpatient treatment and therapy alone.