Winni Chou & Kiarndeep Bains

Telephone Coaching for Caregivers of Children with Type 1 Diabetes

Authors: Kiarndeep Bains and Winni Chou,  Dr. Liisa Holsti, & Sandy Tatla

Introduction. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a common lifelong condition in children. Caregivers are involved in diabetes management of children that are diagnosed at a young age; however, caregivers need support as they are supporting their child’s diabetes management. Data from telephone coaching conversations with caregivers will provide insight into the common challenges that arise for caregivers supporting their child with diabetes. Objective. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the experiences of telephone coaching for caregivers of children with T1D as they support their children in their diabetes management as well as the feasibility of telephone coaching. The qualitative findings of this study will supplement the larger quantitative study. Method. Participants meeting the eligibility criteria of the following: eight-14 years-old, have had T1D for at least one year and have a caregiver or guardian willing to participate, will be introduced to this study during clinic visits and contacted by a member of the research team who will invite participants to join the study. Healthcare professionals who attended a coaching skills development program will complete telephone calls to caregivers bi-weekly for six months to discuss diabetes management and family relationships. Analysis. Researchers will utilize thematic analysis to report meaningful patterns within the data. Implications. The findings will reflect caregiver experiences in supporting their child with diabetes management and provide information about the feasibility of coaching in the context of diabetes care for children and families.