Team Clinic: Virtual Expansion of an Innovative Multi-Disciplinary Care Model for Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Team Clinic: Virtual Expansion of an Innovative Multi-Disciplinary Care Model for Middle School and High School Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes

Team Clinic is a new care approach for middle and high school aged patients living with T1D and their families. This study is a 15-month randomized control trial (RCT) that consists of Virtual Team Clinic Care appointments (primarily telemedicine, and in-person as necessary) and Virtual Team Clinic group appointments with a multidisciplinary diabetes care team. Assignment into 1 of 4 intervention groups Team Clinic Care vs. Standard Care which consist of either Virtual Team Clinic Group or no group.

Groups:

1. Standard Care - No Group

2. Standard Care - Virtual Team Clinic Group

3. Team Clinic Care - No Group

4. Team Clinic Care - Virtual Team Clinic Group Virtual Team Clinic group sessions will be facilitated by clinical care team (e.g., Registered Dietician, Social Worker, Registered Nurse, etc.)

   • Patients and parents will attend their own online session

Team Clinic is an innovative approach to addressing patient developmental, psycho-social, and familial challenges; while also tackling the medical infrastructure and multi-disciplinary care challenges encountered by middle school and high school aged individuals with Type 1 Diabetes and their caregivers. This new approach consists of Team Clinic Care appointments (primarily telemedicine, and in-person as necessary). The study incorporates Virtual Team Clinic group/medical group appointments with a multidisciplinary diabetes care team of diabetes care providers. Each group will have a special theme (thematic group visits) and learning experience aimed at improving glycemic control and treatment adherence, increasing social supports and diabetes care satisfaction, and aid in the transition from caregiver led treatment to self care. Part of the goal of VTC is to spend less time in clinic while still receiving important diabetes education, support, and medical care.

Inclusion

1. Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes > 6 month duration
2. Grades 6th, 7th, and 8th ,9th, 10th, 11th, 12th at time of intervention
3. Not currently participating in other group interventions
4. English speaking

Exclusions

1. Severe behavioral or developmental disabilities in parent or child
2. Severe psychological diagnoses in parent or child that would make group participation difficult
3. Significant comorbid medical conditions that would make the patient non-eligible for group participation (e.g. cystic fibrosis, uncontrolled thyroid disease)
4. Non-English speaking