Transition of care: Researching the needs of young adults with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE: Using participatory research, we investigated the experience of young adults with type 1 diabetes making the transition from pediatric to adult diabetes centres to determine how adult diabetes centres can best meet the needs of this population. METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to 225 young adults. Of the 75 who responded, 19 subsequently completed telephone interviews. RESULTS: Forty percent (30/75) of mail survey respondents attended an adult diabetes clinic, with time constraints cited as the main reason for non-attendance. Ninety percent had attended a pediatric diabetes centre, but during transition to an adult centre felt "lost in the shuffle." Ideal adult diabetes education centres were envisioned as not located in a hospital, with a professional but relaxed atmosphere and staffed by healthcare professionals who were respectful of patients' lifestyles. CONCLUSION: Diabetes programs should provide opportunities for young adults to interact with their peers and to assume a leadership role in their care.