Shared Medical Decision Making in Pediatric Diabetes

Abstract (modified after achievement of Aims 1 and 2):

Treatment adherence in type 1 diabetes (T1D) tends to decline among adolescents, increasing risks of acute and chronic complications, excess health care use, poorer quality of life, and T1D-related family conflict. Poor adherence is associated with psychiatric and family dysfunction and often persists into early adulthood. Therapeutic advances such as continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII or "insulin pump") and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) could improve metabolic control and quality of life.

But, teens often do not benefit fully from such advances. Many studies of adults show that patient-centered communication styles predict more favorable clinical outcomes. Shared medical decision making (SMDM) interventions have improved outcomes among adults with diabetes and other conditions. Research in pediatrics has also shown that patient-centered and family-centered communication styles predict favorable outcomes, but most of this research is in primary care and has not studied youth with chronic conditions. Since there have been no controlled trials of SMDM with chronically ill youths, we propose a randomized controlled trial of an SMDM intervention compared with Usual Clinical Practice (UCP). Qualitative interviews of youths and parents who have previously faced these decisions and reliance on expert consultants, pediatric endocrinologists and diabetes educators have preceded this trial and provided valued input for refining the planned intervention and adapting the structured SMDM format for pediatrics. Now, we will recruit and randomize 166 11-<17 year old youth with T1D who are candidates for CSII or CGM (and a parent/caregiver) at all Nemours sites. The SMDM intervention will be delivered via a web-based platform, facilitated by Diabetes Educators (DEs) at each site in a standardized, yet individually tailored format. SMDM will employ multimedia "decision aids" prepared with the award-winning Nemours Center for Children's Health Media and the "e-city interactive" web design firm in Philadelphia in accord with pertinent international standards. SMDM will also include individualized assistance from the DE in assuring that each youth's and parent's preferences, values and cultural beliefs are carefully addressed and communicated to the attending endocrinologist. After a baseline evaluation and randomization to SMDM or UCP, effects on the primary outcome (treatment adherence; device utilization) and secondary outcomes (glycemic control, treatment alliance, decision conflict and regret, treatment satisfaction, diabetes-related distress and self-efficacy) will be measured over 1 year. Mixed effects modeling will be the primary analytic technique for evaluating effects on primary/secondary outcomes, examining selected variables as moderators and mediators of treatment effects, and assessing whether such effects are comparable for the two medical decisions of interest. The results will verify whether SMDM in this context enhances treatment adherence, device use and parent/patient-reported outcomes in youth with T1D.

Inclusion criteria

• Type 1 diabetes for 1 year or more
• At least 2 diabetes clinic visits at the enrolling site in the prior year
• Considered by treating endocrinologist to be a candidate for insulin pump or continuous glucose monitor
• Intent to continue care at Nemours for 1 year
• Internet access at home, school, work or relative's home

Exclusion criteria

• Open case with child protection agency
• Unable to read and speak English