I wish someone had told me: development of the teaming up for Type 1 diabetes through telehealth intervention

A Type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis can be overwhelming for families. Family support during the first year may improve psychosocial outcomes. Grounded in theory and based upon the lived experiences of youth with T1D and their caregivers, the Teaming up for T1D through Telehealth (Triple T) intervention was developed to promote psychosocial adjustment during the first year post-diagnosis. We describe the development of a personalized telehealth intervention supported by a video library depicting common T1D experiences.

Age-specific focus groups and subsequent individual interviews explored the successes, challenges, fears, and advice of youth and their families within 2 years of diagnosis. Children (8-12 years; n = 10), teens (13-17 years; n = 11), their caregivers (n = 27), and caregivers of children diagnosed younger than 8 years (n = 12) participated.

Focus groups informed the development of a video library and 6 personalized telehealth sessions throughout the first year post-T1D diagnosis. Five main themes emerged and informed video development: Reassurance that families will be "Okay," strategies for getting to "Okay," managing activities, handling diagnosis disclosure, and family teamwork. Test videos were reviewed by focus groups and revised based on feedback. The video library remained accessible throughout the intervention. The telehealth sessions reviewed families' successes and challenges, provided behavioral health strategies to promote coping and adherence, and recommended specific videos based on each discussion.

This approach to telehealth was informed by youth and caregiver experiences and recommendations. This approach may directly address the needs of families and inform future interventions and education following a T1D diagnosis.