FRI594 Results Of A New Transition Of Care Process From Pediatric To Adult Diabetes Services

Abstract Disclosure: F.I. Cooper: None. N. Vyas: None. J. Pierce: None. A. Kulasingham: None. Adolescence is a challenging time in a child’s life and can be even more stressful for those living with diabetes. It has been shown that glycemic levels worsen in young adulthood due to factors such as increasing insulin resistance and gaps in care during the transitioning from pediatric to adult diabetes care. Data suggest that beginning transition preparation in early adolescence is associated with better outcomes. Our aim was to create a transition of care program for youth in our diabetes clinic following the Got Transition Core Elements and assess its effectiveness. First, we established a clinic transition policy and corresponding informational letter, which we distributed to youth ages 12-16. Then, we adopted a Diabetes Summary Form to track and monitor transition progress. Next, we implemented transition readiness screening to youth ages 14-16 using the Readiness Assessment of Emerging Adults with Diabetes Diagnosed in Youth (READDY) tool. Last, we distributed GotTransition.org surveys to youth and their caregivers to assess satisfaction with our clinic’s transition process and perceived readiness to move to an adult provider. The transition letter distribution rate had a mean of 56% and the READDY completion rate had a mean of 40%. Although we did not achieve our distribution target goal of 80%, 90% of those who did complete the READDY indicated they were somewhat or very ready to transition to adult care. The satisfaction survey revealed that many youths still need assistance with insurance (32%) and finding an adult provider (45%). Overall, our initial efforts to establish a healthcare transition program were successful. We will continue our work on 1) improving letter distribution and readiness screening rates, 2) designing a curriculum centered around adolescent-specific issues, including insurance needs and 3) increasing our connections with adult endocrinologists to facilitate seamless transitions. We hope other pediatric diabetes clinics can learn from our experience, as well expanding to other subspecialty clinics in our children’s hospital. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023