P-92: Psychosocial group interventions for caregivers of youth living with diabetes
N Andorko, L Mulligan, S Nickerson, J GettingsAbstract
Introduction
Psychotherapeutic group intervention is an efficacious yet underutilized tool to support caregivers of pediatric patients with diabetes. Caregiver group intervention has been shown to improve caregiver quality of life, family medical communication, and increase adherence behaviors (Jaser et al., 2014; Sheng et al., 2019). As there can be challenges with consistently attending multi-sessions, information is needed about the utility and feasibility of implementing a single session intervention (SSI), a modality with growing empirical support (Schleider et al., 2025) in this context.
Objectives
This study explores the initial methods, feasibility, and satisfaction of a one-hour SSI group with caregivers of youth with diabetes.
Methods
Since November 2023, eight caregiver groups were conducted virtually and co-led by a social worker and psychologist. Content included psychoeducation and moderated discussion. Enrollment was limited to 15 or 30 participants. Following the group, participants were asked to complete an optional satisfaction survey. Survey items included a combination of Likert-style responses and open-ended feedback.
Results
191 caregivers registered, and all groups reached maximum enrollment within one day. Satisfaction survey responses were received from 31 caregivers. 88% of responses reported the educational content to be helpful, and 84% indicated likeliness to use the strategies learned. When asked about the benefit of caregiver-to-caregiver discussions, 94% indicated they were helpful, and 94% noted they would recommend the group. Qualitative feedback added depth to the data.
Conclusions
Caregiver group SSIs are feasible to implement for caregivers of youth with diabetes and show high satisfaction. Future efforts should be made to explore the impact of caregiver groups on overall caregiver and youth wellbeing and diabetes adherence behaviors.