Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is increasing in children (ISPAD 2009). Tight metabolic control using intensive insulin therapy aims to reduce short and long term complications. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusions (CSII or pump therapy) as a method of insulin delivery has resulted in improved glycaemic control (Danne & Tambourlane (2006) and Onwuneme & Devenney (2009). However there is little evidence of the impact of pumps on the lived experience of children and parents who use insulin pumps.

Aims and objectives: The aim of this research was to investigate and describe the lived experiences of children and parents who use an insulin pump.

Methods: A qualitative approach was used which is grounded in phenomenology, which is rich in detail and opens possibility of understanding. All children and parents who have been using an insulin pump for at least 3 months were invited to participate in a focus group. The focus group took place on a Saturday morning. There were separate focus groups for children and parents and the children’s focus groups were age banded. The focus groups were audio taped and the facilitator was not a member of the diabetes team.

Analysis and results: Nine children (six children aged 6–12 and three over 12) and ten parents (six parents of children aged 6–12 and four parents of children over 12). The audio tapes were transcribed and analysed using Colaizzi’s framework (1978). Emerging themes for children included ‘normal; freedom’ with food, playing and time and ‘flexibility’, with food and times. Emerging themes for parents also included ‘normal; freedom; flexibility’; and ‘trust’. Rigour was established by credibility, dependability, and confirmability.

Conclusions: Insulin pumps were universally preferred and offer freedom and flexibility. All children have elected to continue using pumps. The lived experience of children and parents using an insulin pump is positive and favoured over insulin injections