Understanding the needs of people aging with type 1 diabetes: a user-focused research study with prototype diabetes advance directive and setting the stage for future research

Abstract

Purpose People living with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) are living longer than ever and facing the new “luxury” of the challenges of aging. While research is slowly expanding and addressing T1D physiology with regards to aging, there is little research addressing specific challenges and barriers to optimal care by those aging with T1D. To address this gap, this study employed human-centered design research to explore the gaps and barriers to care faced by people aging with T1D. Methods Researchers employed human-centered design methods of needfinding and user interviews and facilitated participatory workshops. In total, 27 people with T1D (PWT1D), 5 loved ones (partners of PWT1D), and 7 healthcare providers (HCPs) were engaged. Results Design artifacts were developed, including user personas that help visually articulate the different experiences of PWT1D and their unique needs as they age, as well as a prototype diabetes-specific advance directive that could be further refined to specifically aid those with Type 1 diabetes who are aging and requiring more interactions with the healthcare system. Initial user testing with people with T1D as well as healthcare providers demonstrated the need for such a diabetes advance directive tool or document. Conclusion This work supports the conclusion that additional focus and scientific enquiry should be given to the needs of people aging with Type 1 diabetes, with a goal of improving the experience of all people with T1D when interacting with their care providers or with the healthcare system as a whole.

Collaboratively Designing an App for a More Personalized, Community-Endorsed Continuous Glucose Monitoring Onboarding Experience: An Early Study

“…20,21 Although there has been discussion of the importance of PWD's perspective in developing diabetes technology, 22 few studies have specifically examined HCD applied to diabetes. 10,[23][24][25] We investigated whether we could apply an HCD method and process to improve orienting PWD to CGM. Our specific aims were (1) to develop, applying a co-designing approach, a prototype of an app for facilitating onboarding to CGM and (2) to obtain early feedback on its usability.…”

“… 20 , 21 Although there has been discussion of the importance of PWD’s perspective in developing diabetes technology, 22 few studies have specifically examined HCD applied to diabetes. 10 , 23 - 25 …”