P-87: Building a dream team: the importance of stakeholders in developing a virtual peer group curriculum for Latinx youth with T1D and their caregivers
B Manzanarez, J Flores Garcia, M W Reid, A Torres Sanchez, K Craft, L Altuve, C Arellano, M Visser, N Garban, R Barber, M E Benavides, C Acosta Navarro, J K Raymond, J C Wong, S S CrossenAbstract
Introduction
Latinx youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience higher hemoglobin A1c levels and lower technology use compared to non-Latinx peers. T1D requires many daily self-management decisions and can be overwhelming for families who already face health disparities. Virtual peer groups (VPGs) have been shown to improve diabetes management and increase technology use for youth with T1D. However, culturally tailored interventions to address the unique needs of Latinx youth with diabetes and their caregivers are limited.
Objectives
To partner with stakeholders (Latinx youth, caregivers, and healthcare team members) to design a VPG intervention to promote diabetes technology use among Latinx youth with T1D.
Methods
Stakeholder focus groups identified the preferred format and topics for sessions (see Table 1). VPG content was developed by subject experts from multiple disciplines and revised with input from our Latinx patient/family advisory board. VPG facilitators were recruited across three diabetes centers, prioritizing Latinx background and Spanish language skills as well as personal or professional T1D experience. Facilitators received initial training and met monthly thereafter to review feedback, improve skills, and revise content.
Results
VPG curriculum was developed for two age groups in two languages across all six topics. Twenty-one facilitators were recruited from a variety of professional disciplines (medicine, nutrition, nursing, social work, child life, chaplaincy); 11 self-identify as Latinx, 10 are bilingual in English and Spanish, and 2 live with T1D. Thus far 61 VPGs have been conducted over 16 months, and participant feedback has been positive.
Conclusions
Collaborative partnerships between patients, families, and multidisciplinary clinicians enabled the creation and implementation of a VPG intervention aimed at improving technology adoption and diabetes outcomes for Latinx youth with T1D.