Using Qualitative Methods to Evaluate a Family Behavioral Intervention for Type 1 Diabetes

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to qualitatively evaluate a dyadic adolescent-parent type 1 diabetes (T1D) program developed to prevent deterioration in diabetes care among adolescents with T1D and provide recommendations for program refinement. Method: Thirteen adolescent-parent dyads who participated in the larger randomized controlled trial, the Team Work Project, were interviewed regarding their perceptions of their participation in the program and current T1D challenges. Interviews were transcribed and coded to establish broad themes. Results: Adolescents and parents thought the Team Work Project sessions were helpful and taught them new information. Five themes catalog findings from the qualitative interviews: TeamWork content, TeamWork structure, transition of responsibility, current and future challenges, and future intervention considerations. Discussion: Addressing T1D challenges as a parent-adolescent dyad via a behavioral clinic program is helpful to families during adolescence. Findings highlight the utility of qualitative evaluation to tailor interventions for the unique challenges related to pediatric chronic illness.