Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Poorly managed transition could adversely impact upon adjustment to diabetes and potentially result in non-adherence to treatment, loss to follow-up and worsening of health-related outcomes. In our DGH, approximately 20 Young Person (YP) with T1DM get transferred to YP Clinic every year. YP between 17–19 years of age attend a joint clinic before the transfer. The YP Clinic provides a continuity of diabetes care up to the age of 25 years.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the experiences and satisfaction of YP with current diabetes transitional service at a DGH, identify aspects of the service that could be improved and propose plans to improve the service.

Methods: A survey was conducted evaluating the experiences and satisfaction of YP transitioned in the years 2014 and 2015. The challenges faced by the current transitional service was evaluated through a survey of paediatric and adult diabetes professionals. The patient and professional survey was conducted using SurveyMonkey.

Results: Thiryt out of 40 YP responded to our survey. 22 YP responded that transition was first discussed after 15 years of age. 23 YP reported their involvement in planning their transition care but only 30% reported that their transition care plan (TCP) was specific to their needs. 90% had a key worker at transition. 14 YP reported attending age-specific ‘Teen Diabetes Clinic’ between 14–17 years of age. 80% met with YP diabetes team at the joint/transfer clinic. 86% reported attending their first appointment at the YP Clinic. Majority expressed high rate of satisfaction with the transition support. Provision of peer support, reminders for appointments and an opportunity to familiarise with YP Clinic environment before the transfer were highlighted as most crucial by YP. Clinic capacity and lack of in-house dietitian and psychology support were the major challenges identified with the YP Clinic.

Conclusion: There was high rate of attendance at the handover as well as first clinic post-handover. Majority respondents reported good satisfaction with the service. Recommendations were made to improve the TCP, to assess YP’s transitional readiness using ‘Ready Steady Go’ and to address the gaps in post-transfer dietetic and psychology support.