ESPE Abstracts

Aim: Transition to adult diabetes services is associated with deterioration in service experience and outcomes. We aimed to increase the uptake of structured education and provide opportunities for peer support. We describe the early outcomes of the innovative Transition (NHSE) pilot TraSS, to improve services for 16–24-year-old young adults (YA).

Method: CODSN and YW met with YA in clinics and gained consent to include in the education mailing list. CODSN and YW outreach was provided to 104 YA where relationships were strengthened, and attendance of group structured education was encouraged. One to one structured education and support including cooking and budgeting was delivered in the YA home. Focus groups were facilitated to explore ways to connect with YA’s and what they wanted to learn. Events and education were carefully designed by CODSN & YW to include a variety of topics that would entice YA attendance, with Seren Connect selected as structured education. Dedicated YW promoted events through social media, displaying posters in clinic and through 1:1 visits. Over 700 virtual invites were sent for each event.

Results: A mailing list of over 160 YA was created, with focus group feedback indicating a preference for informal education delivery. Events featured talks from those living with diabetes on managing diabetes and rowing, traveling, and participating in research. Seren Connect was delivered and facilitated peer sharing. 47 YA attended over 15 activities, including a technology conference, focus groups with bowling and ice skating, an online travel webinar, refresher courses, and college sessions. YA’s signed up for a 2-night residential activity. Feedback was universally positive, highlighting the benefits of a non-clinical setting with peers. Many noted this boosted confidence, normalised their condition, reduced social isolation, and enhanced self-efficacy for self-management.

Conclusion: Our findings emphasise the crucial role of dedicated CODSN and YW in boosting the uptake structured education and peer support by co-designing informal educational events with YA. These events and personalised education enhance communication between healthcare professionals and people with diabetes, fostering a safe environment for sharing experiences and peer learning. Remarkable progress has been made in efficiently identifying and supporting YA and their services through innovative methods.