Diabetes Transition Coordinator Study
This study wants to see if having a dedicated helper, called a 'transition coordinator', can make a real difference for young people with Type 1 diabetes. These young people are moving from getting their care at children's hospitals to adult healthcare services. The coordinator's job is to give them extra support during this important time. Researchers will compare young people who get this extra help with those who receive standard care. They want to find out if the coordinator improves health, how patients feel about their care, and how well this new approach works in practice. They will also look at whether this support is a good use of resources.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When young people with Type 1 diabetes get older, they need to switch from seeing doctors and nurses who specialise in children's health to those who look after adults. This can be a big change, and sometimes it can feel a bit overwhelming. This study is all about making that move, known as 'transition', as smooth and helpful as possible.
The study introduces a special helper, called a 'transition coordinator'. This person isn't a doctor or nurse, but they are there to give extra support. They help young people learn how to manage their diabetes independently, understand the adult healthcare system, and deal with other life changes that come with becoming an adult, like driving or moving away from home. They'll keep in touch in ways that suit the young person, like texts or emails, for up to a year after they've moved to adult care.
To see if this extra help works, the researchers will compare two groups of young people. One group will receive the usual care they would normally get, and the other group will receive the usual care *plus* the support from the transition coordinator. By comparing these groups, the researchers can see if having a coordinator makes a positive difference to young people's health, their confidence in managing their diabetes, and their overall experience of moving to adult care. They'll also check if this new support system is practical and worthwhile.
Key takeaways
- The study helps young people with Type 1 diabetes move smoothly to adult care.
- A 'transition coordinator' offers extra support during this move.
- The support includes help with self-management and understanding adult care.
- Comparing groups will show if this extra help truly improves outcomes.
- Participation involves your usual care plus potential coordinator contact and surveys.
- Your involvement helps improve future care for others.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to meet certain requirements. You must have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes for at least a year and be between 17 and 18 years old. You should have seen your children's diabetes specialist in the last year and be planning to move to adult care in Alberta, Canada, within the next 12 months.
It's also important that you can understand and speak English well enough to complete surveys, as these are a key part of the study. You'll also need a Personal Health Number (PHN) so researchers can link up your health information securely. If you don't meet these specific points, you unfortunately won't be able to join this particular study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes for at least 12 months.
- I am currently 17 or 18 years old.
- I have seen my children's diabetes specialist within the last year.
- I am planning to move to adult diabetes care in Alberta, Canada, within the next year.
- I can understand and complete surveys in English.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll still receive all your usual diabetes care from both your children's and then your adult diabetes teams. This includes appointments with your doctor, diabetes nurse, or dietician, just as you normally would.
If you are in the group receiving extra support, you will also have access to a transition coordinator. They will meet with you once, either in person or online, before you move to adult care to explain their role. After that, they'll keep in touch every two months for a year after you've moved over, using text messages, email, or phone calls, whichever you prefer. You can also contact them if you have questions or need some guidance. The study will mainly involve answering surveys to see how things are going for you.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Alberta Children's HospitalVerified postcodeCalgary, Canada
Common questions
What is a 'transition coordinator'?
A transition coordinator is a special helper, not a doctor or nurse, who supports young people moving from children's to adult diabetes care.
What kind of support will the coordinator give?
They will offer guidance on managing your diabetes, understanding adult healthcare, and dealing with life changes. They'll keep in touch by text, email, or phone.
Will I still see my usual diabetes doctors?
Yes, you will continue to have all your regular appointments with your children's and then your adult diabetes healthcare team.
How long will the study last if I join?
The coordinator will be in touch with you for up to a year after you've moved to adult care. The study will gather information over this period.
Can I leave the study if I change my mind?
Yes, you can decide to stop participating at any time, and this will not affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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