CoYoT1 Clinic: Innovative Telemedicine Care Model for Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Young adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) face many challenges in managing their diabetes, resulting in suboptimal glycemic control and often loss to follow-up. Comprehensive strategies are needed to engage this population in diabetes care and improve outcomes. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of the Colorado Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes (CoYoT1) Clinic-an innovative clinical care model for young adults with T1D, incorporating telemedicine and peer interactions.

Subjects and methods: Forty-five patients with T1D, 18-25 years of age, participated in this study. Patients completed one routine, diabetes clinic appointment, using Health Insurance Portability and Accountability-approved, Web-based videoconferencing from a location of their choosing. The clinic visit consisted of an individual appointment with a diabetes provider and a group appointment with other young adults, facilitated by a certified diabetes educator. Patients completed a satisfaction survey and reported the time lost from school or work to complete the virtual appointment compared with time typically lost to complete a traditional, in-person, visit.

Results: Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the virtual clinic and high levels of perceived support from the peer interaction. Additionally, patients reported saving over 6 h from their work or school day when completing their diabetes clinic visit virtually instead of in-person.

Conclusions: In this cross-sectional pilot study, the CoYoT1 Clinic, incorporating Web-based videoconferencing and peer interactions, was feasible and acceptable for young adults with T1D. This model may potentially increase engagement with diabetes care in the young adult population. However, further research is needed to fully evaluate the intervention.

FIG. 1.

Colorado Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes (CoYoT1) Clinic structure. Two diabetes providers and one certified diabetes educator staffed each CoYoT1 Clinic session. For each patient, the CoYoT1 Clinic, including a group and an individual appointment (appt.), lasted 50–60 min. Patients complete their individual appointment either prior to or after the group appointment.