Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital trialled a Transition Coordinator for adolescents with type 1 diabetes moving from the diabetes clinic at Princess Margaret Hospital to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.
The primary aim of this study was to:
- appoint a youth transition coordinator
- prepare young person and family for the transition to an adult health facility
- hands on help when transfer took place
- evaluate the phases over five or more years
The unique feature of this project is the additional support for parents. Support is needed for parents or carers to address their fears in letting adolescents becomes more independent and able to manage diabetes.
The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the potential for a permanent transition coordinator to:
- support adolescents and young adults transitioning from PMH to the adult services at SCGH.
- reduce /avoid ‘missed’ appointments, and assist with adolescent’s diabetes management skills.
- avoid diabetes-relate emergency department attendance or admissions for participants.
- facilitate changes to responsibility of care during transition to adult care.
The final report suggest that significant improvements for young people with diabetes are possible and a transition coordinator with specialist knowledge of adolscent health can help by advocateing for them whilst supporting parents.
Reccomendations from this project include:
- Young adult clinics develop a multidisciplinary appointment system
- A state-wide diabetes transition coordinator role be established
- Funding be found for a multisite study to replicate and extend this study
- Telehealth services be used by rural and remote young adults with type 1 diabetes
The DRFWA would like to thank the many generous supporters who enabled this research project be undertaken. If you would like to support projects like this please click here.
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