Abstract
Aims
To explore parents’ experiences of using a hybrid closed-loop system (CamAPS FX) when caring for a very young child (aged 1–7 years) with type 1 diabetes.
Methods
Interviews with n = 33 parents of 30 children who used the system during a randomised controlled trial. Data analysis used a descriptive thematic approach.
Results
While some parents were initially reticent about handing control to the system, all reported clinical benefits to using the technology, having to do less diabetes-related work and needing less clinical input over time. Parents welcomed opportunities to enhance the system’s efficacy (using Ease-off and Boost functions) as required. Parents described how the system’s automated glucose control facilitated more normality, including sleeping better, worrying less about their child, and feeling more confident and able to outsource care. Parents also described more normality for the child (alongside better sleep, mood and concentration, and lessened distress) and siblings. Parents liked being able to administer insulin using a smartphone, but suggested refinements to device size and functionality.
Conclusions
Using a hybrid closed-loop system in very young children can facilitate greater normality and may result in a lessened demand for health professionals’ input. Systems may need to be customised for very young children.
To explore parents’ experiences of using a hybrid closed-loop system (CamAPS FX) when caring for a very young child (aged 1–7 years) with type 1 diabetes.
Methods
Interviews with n = 33 parents of 30 children who used the system during a randomised controlled trial. Data analysis used a descriptive thematic approach.
Results
While some parents were initially reticent about handing control to the system, all reported clinical benefits to using the technology, having to do less diabetes-related work and needing less clinical input over time. Parents welcomed opportunities to enhance the system’s efficacy (using Ease-off and Boost functions) as required. Parents described how the system’s automated glucose control facilitated more normality, including sleeping better, worrying less about their child, and feeling more confident and able to outsource care. Parents also described more normality for the child (alongside better sleep, mood and concentration, and lessened distress) and siblings. Parents liked being able to administer insulin using a smartphone, but suggested refinements to device size and functionality.
Conclusions
Using a hybrid closed-loop system in very young children can facilitate greater normality and may result in a lessened demand for health professionals’ input. Systems may need to be customised for very young children.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice |
| Early online date | 22 Apr 2022 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 22 Apr 2022 |