Oral Presentation Australian Diabetes Society and the Australian Diabetes Educators Association Annual Scientific Meeting 2016

An Online Self-Management Intervention for Young Adults with Diabetes: The Guided Self-Determination Program (#118)

Bodil Rasmussen 1 , Judy Currey 2 , Bill Haigh 3 , Ian Story 2 , Trisha Dunning 4 , Karen Crawford 5 , Carolyn Hines 5 , Vibeke Zoffmann 6
  1. Centre for Patient Safety and Quality Research, Deakin University-Western Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
  2. Faculty of Health , Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
  3. School of Medicine, Monash University, Gippsland, Victoria
  4. Barwon Health-Deakin University, Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria
  5. Diabetes Victoria, Melbourne, Vic
  6. The Juliane Marie Centre Rigshospital , Copenhagen University , Copenhagen, Denmark

Aim and Context
The study aimed to develop and trial an online interactive version of an evidence-based self-management program for young people with Type 1 diabetes living in Victoria.
For young adults with type 1 diabetes (YAWD) between ages of 18 to 35, it can be difficult to maintain glycaemic control due to competing lifestyle, work or study-related commitments. Innovative educational interventions are needed for those who loose motivation. Guided Self-Determination (GSD) is designed to guide both YAWD and professionals through mutual reflection drawing on semi-structured reflection sheets.
Methods
This three stage pilot study involved (1) Developing an online prototype of the GSD method (2) Training workshops diabetes educators, (3) Trialling of GSD online program with YAWD and Diabetes Educators (DE). The GSD program comprised seven sessions designed to guide both clients and DE through mutual reflection using semi-structured sheets. Nine credentialed DE and ten YAWD participated in the study.
Data Collection and Analysis: Participants completed an response questionnaire about using GSD online and their experience of the GSD method. Three points design included (1) training workshop for DE, (2) both groups of participants attended an evaluation workshop after 3 months and (3) focus-group discussion after 6 months. Online delivery, use of technology and responses were thematically analysed using rigorous qualitative communication analysis methods.
Findings
The online version of GSD was found to be a suitable, convenient and advantageous way to communicate and engage with this population. Further development of technology was needed, however, both groups of participants found the online communication expedient, flexible and suitable for YAWD who otherwise had lost motivation.
Potential uses of this research
GSD online is readily accessible, visually appealing and has the potential to be as efficacious as the in-person program. This site enables access to an evidence-based program to clients broadly for improved life style.