Effectiveness of a Transition Program for Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes in the Transition to Adulthood

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

A Person-Centred Transition Program to Empower Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes in the Transition to Adulthood: the STEPSTONES-DIAB Project: Behavioral: Transition program Participants will be part of a transition program that aim to prepare them for adult life and adult care wich includes eight key components: 1. A transition coordinator; 2. Education on diabetes, treatments, health behavior, dealing with school, friends; 3. Telephone availability; 4. Information about the adult diabetes service: 5. Guidance of parents; 6. Meeting with peers: 7. A person-centered transition plan; and 8. Preparation and transfer to adult diabetes service.

Standard care: Participants allocated to this group will receive usual care, which includes regular follow-up visits in pediatric diabetes outpatient clinics. Usual care can vary across the two clinics, however, they all include meetings with a nurse and a physician.

Study summary

The transfer of young people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) to adult care occurs during a critical period of life, while many young people with T1D have unsatisfactory glycemic control. The preparation to take over responsibility for their health and self-care as well as increasing their participation in care are important aspects for strengthening people's own ability, an important component of person-centered care. STEPSTONES-DIAB aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a person-centred transition program for adolescents with T1D to empower them to become active partners in their care. The study is conducted at two hospitals in Stockholm, Sweden where 140 patients will be randomized to either a structured, person-centered transition program over a 2.5 -year period or to usual care. Outcome measures is empowerment, participation and responsibility in care, health status, glycemic control as well as the participants' experiences of care during transfer.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Level of empowerment — Endpoint after 2.5 years from baseline
  Gothenburg Young Persons Empowerment Scale (GYPES) will be used to assess the level of empowerment. This scale was developed by the researchers involved in this study and has been tested in a previous cross sectional study in order to determine its psychometric properties in adolescents with congenital heart disease and type 1 diabetes.The five subscales measure: (a) self-perceived level of understanding of their disease (knowledge and understanding); (b) the capacity patients have to handle their disease (personal control); (c) the effect their illness has on their lives and sense of self (identity); (d) the capacity to make decisions along with the healthcare professional (shared decision-making); and (e) the ability to share their experiences and help others who are going through a similar situation (enabling others). The total score ranges from 15 to 75 points, with a higher score reflecting a higher level of empowerment.

Trial sites (2)

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