P-202: Acceptability and perceived impact of a brief psychosocial intervention for pediatric diabetes healthcare providers
D Rojas, C Gomar PadillaAbstract
Introduction
Pediatric diabetes HCPs support children and families under significant emotional burden, yet few structured approaches address provider mental health and peer connection.
Objectives
To evaluate the acceptability and psychosocial impact of a structured, interactive intervention designed to facilitate mental health discussion among HCPs working with youth with diabetes.
Methods
Post-session survey data were analyzed following a facilitated, interactive group intervention using a structured card-based format to prompt discussion of mental health in pediatric diabetes care. Responses from people living with type 1 diabetes were excluded. Of 61 responses, 47 HCPs were included after excluding 9 people with diabetes and 5 non-provider “other” responses; 1 social worker was retained. Percentages were calculated using the final analytic sample (n=47). Descriptive analyses were performed.
Results
Participants were predominantly female (83.0%). Roles included endocrinologists (46.8%), psychologists/psychiatrists (29.8%), diabetes educators (8.5%), dietitians (6.4%), nurses (6.4%), and social work (2.1%). Overall, 85.1% reported more open mental health conversations, 85.1% rated topics as highly relevant, 85.1% reported reduced barriers, and 93.6% reported greater peer connection. Additionally, 61.7% reported increased willingness to discuss their own mental health, 87.2% perceived a positive mental health impact, and 95.7% would recommend the intervention. Mean score was 8.5/10. Prior to the intervention, 72.3% reported reduced effectiveness related to mental health challenges.
Conclusions
This brief intervention was highly acceptable and improved peer connection, mental health awareness, and openness to discussion among pediatric diabetes HCps, directly supporting its intended psychosocial impact. Findings support integration of structured approaches into routine care and indicate the value of repeated and longitudinal implementation to assess sustained effects on provider well-being and care delivery.