Endocrine Abstracts

Objectives: To assess patient satisfaction with the transitional diabetes clinic service. Our transitional diabetes clinics (for 14–19 year olds) are run monthly by a multi disciplinary team comprising of a consultant, nurse and dietician each, from both adult and paediatric diabetes teams.

Methods: An electronic tablet with the pre-programmed survey was handed out to 42 young people while they were waiting to be seen in clinic.

Results:: 39 young people completed the survey, giving a response rate of 92.8%. 51% were males and 69% were aged 16–17 years. 73 and 27% were on insulin injections via pen and pump respectively. 82% were transferred from paediatric services. Overall, young people rated their experience of moving into the transitional clinic very highly. Clinic venue and timing (4–6 pm) were considered suitable by 90 and 94% respectively. 52% reported to have waited for at least 15–30 min to be seen by one of the team. Around 80% received information regularly on achieving better glycaemic control, treating complications and managing diabetes around sports, exercise, alcohol and school/university. However, 43% were unaware of the availability of psychology support in the service. Around 40% met with the doctor or the nurse at each clinic visit. However, 74% could only meet the dietician at their request. Nearly all (97%) found the diabetes team to be open and honest, accessible, supportive and knowledgeable in diabetes care. Around 90% felt that the service prepared them well in moving to the adult services.

Conclusions: Using an electronic tablet for feedback can prove really successful in improving participation among young people who have greater technology awareness. Although we received a very positive feedback on the transitional diabetes service, it could be improved further by reducing waiting time as well as providing better access to dietetics and psychology services.