OBJECTIVE:
To determine if a structured transition program for young adults with type 1 diabetes improves clinic attendance, glycemic control, diabetes-related distress, quality of life, and satisfaction with care.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS:
In this multicenter randomized controlled trial, young adults (17-20 years) with type 1 diabetes were randomly assigned to a transition program with a transition coordinator or to standard care. The intervention lasted 18 months (6 in pediatric and 12 in adult care). The primary outcome was the proportion of participants who failed to attend at least one adult diabetes clinic visit during the 12-month follow-up after completion of the intervention.
RESULTS:
We randomized 205 participants, 104 to the transition program and 101 to standard care. Clinic attendance was improved in the transition program (mean [SD] number of visits 4.1 [1.1] vs. 3.6 [1.2],
CONCLUSIONS:
Transition support during this 18-month intervention was associated with increased clinic attendance, improved satisfaction with care, and decreased diabetes-related distress, but these benefits were not sustained 12 months after completion of the intervention.
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/cheril-clarson/1/