Letting the young adult take the lead: Implementation of a questionnaire enabling young adults with diabetes guide the direction of their consultation.

Published Date: 01st April 2024

Publication Authors: Keigan. S, Balafshan. T, Wilson. A, Gallagher. C, Omer. M

Conference Abstract

Introduction: Engagement in young adult services for patients with diabetes is a well-known challenge, by enabling our young adults to guide their consultation we hope to improve this, by producing a more personal patient experience.
Aim(s): The aim of the study was to ensure the consultation focuses on what is most important to the young adult with diabetes.
Method(s): A questionnaire was designed to include a range of topics to choose from relevant to young adults with diabetes. These are given out prior to seeing a clinician at the stage of performing the HbA1c. The questionnaire is then used to guide the conversation within the consultation. We then collated and analysed the anonymous questionnaires to see what is most frequently requested, data collected 2022-2023.
Result(s): 74% of questionnaires were filled in, with the most frequent selected topic being CMG/flash monitoring at 26%. Other highly requested topics include food and diet (17%), mental health and wellbeing (17%), weight loss (16%), travel and holidays (11%), fluctuant blood sugars (12%), hypoglycaemia (10%) and job issues (10%). Actions: With these data, we have implement use of the CORE 10 mental health questionnaire to further investigate the wellbeing of our young adults, we have also designed a satisfaction questionnaire to analyse their thoughts and feelings about the service.
Conclusion(s): Our main focus is making the service work for our young adults, to encourage engagement and hopefully improve outcomes. The use of this questionnaire hopefully makes our young adults feel listened to and helps them take charge of their consultation and subsequently their diabetes care.

Keigan S.; Sullivan H.; Balafshan T.; Wilson A.; Gallagher C.; Shamsaleed M.; Omer, M. (2024). Letting the young adult take the lead: Implementation of a questionnaire enabling young adults with diabetes guide the direction of their consultation. Diabetic Medicine. 41(Supp. 1), [Online]. Available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/dme.15296 [Accessed 19 December 2025].