Families Interviews Guide a School-based Program for Children With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Their Families
Friday, October 1, 2021
12:30 PM - 1:45 PM
CSU 253 or Zoom
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify strategies that could reduce the impact of Type 1 Diabetes on metabolic control, enhance school attendance and performance, and improve family life for children/adolescents dealing with this complex disease. Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) affects 0.26% of children under age 20. Fluctuations in blood glucose affect children’s school performance and family life. Families and school nurses describe the stress of managing T1DM. The National Association of School Nurses indicates diabetes care is a critical function of school nurses. Yet, recent evidence reports school nurses face an overwhelming workload. Nurse educators and practitioners focused on diabetes, advocate a socio-ecological view of pediatric healthcare that includes youth and family. Family interviews can provide insight.
Research Questions/Hypothesis: Family interviews were conducted with five families from different backgrounds to determine the best way to conduct school-based programs.
Theoretical Framework/Rationale: The theoretical framework used was The Revised Self and Family Management Framework (Grey et al. 2015). This framework proposes that understanding facilitators, barriers, and processes is essential for influencing outcomes.
Methods: Families from Minnesota who have children with T1DM were recruited to participate in family interviews using Zoom software. Interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Each family consisted of different structures, with some residing in urban areas and others in rural settings. Genograms and ecomaps were created for each family. Interview data were analyzed to determine themes using a directed content analysis method.
Results: Interview themes reflected things like the stress and struggle these families face, the importance of teamwork within the family, navigating barriers, and facing uncertainty.
Conclusions: Family interview data will inform a pilot school-based program to start Spring 2022, including educational content and therapeutic conversations directed toward youth and families. Programs should be collaborative between schools and families and should include participant-directed content. Focuses should be on cognition, communication, care coordination, problem-solving, and strength-building. Peer support for children and adults will be integral. Following the pilot, programs will be refined for future school years.
