The transfer of care experience in young adults with type 1 diabetes

To explore the experiences and perceptions of young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) after they transferred care from a pediatric to an adult clinic, utilizing an organized transfer process that included a Diabetes Transition Clinic (DTC) and a transfer letter (TL).

This retrospective study used a semi-structured interview 1-1.5 years after transfer of care, which gathered both quantitative and qualitative data of young adults (n=12) who transferred care at an average age of 19.6 years, within a Midwest academic medical center. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data and to identify emerging themes.

Most participants were worried about their transfer of care and found attending a DTC valuable. Most found the TL helpful in summarizing their diabetes care. Emerging themes demonstrated the importance of preparing the young adult for change, supporting their emotional journey, and developing connections with their new diabetes team.

For young adults with diabetes, the transfer of care from pediatric to adult is a time of apprehension. Incorporating a DTC and TL can facilitate this journey by preparing patients for change and developing ways to deepen connections with new providers.