Finding straight answers: identifying the needs of parents and service providers of adolescents with type 1 diabetes to aid in the creation of an online support intervention.

Aims And Objectives: To explore the needs and preferences of parents and service providers of adolescents with type 1 diabetes in an online support intervention.

Background: Parents experience stress during this time of transition as adolescent conflict is common and the consequences of risk-taking behaviour in combination with type 1 diabetes can be severe. Parents are in need of social support and desired an online intervention. Online support interventions have not been previously designed from the perspective of the users of these interventions.

Methods: Participatory, qualitative design. Fourteen group interviews across Canada (n=60).

Results: Participants identified four main themes (Finding straight answers, Making transitions, Struggling with parenting and Connecting with others) within the context of accessibility. Parents described their needs for credible Canadian information, support from other parents, fostering positive family dynamics while shifting parenting roles during adolescence. Connecting with others included finding a social support system and venue to share stories and resources.

Discussion: These findings are innovative as these experienced participants desired a blend of professional information and peer informal knowledge and support in an accessible, online format.

Conclusion: The results of this study will form the foundation of an online support intervention while providing unique insight into the experiences of parents of adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Relevance To Clinical Practice: Parents and service providers indicate the need for information that is trusted, accurate and on a wide range of topics, within a preferred online environment. Supporting parents during this difficult time includes directing them to appropriate and accessible resources, facilitating a positive, healthy process of transition to interdependence, in their parenting of adolescents with type 1 diabetes.