Use of remote monitoring with continuous glucose monitoring in young children with Type 1 diabetes: the parents’ perspective

• Published in: Diabetic medicine 2019-11, Vol.36 (11), p.1453-1459
• Main Authors: Burckhardt, M.‐A., Fried, L., Bebbington, K., Hancock, M., Nicholas, J. A., Roberts, A., Abraham, M. B., Davis, E. A., Jones, T. W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anxiety; Children; Diabetes; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetes mellitus (insulin dependent); Glucose monitoring; Insulin; Parents & parenting; Sleep
• ISSN: 0742-3071; 1464-5491
• DOI: 10.1111/dme.14061

Aim Remote monitoring with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus has recently become available, but little is known about caregivers’ experiences of its use, particularly in younger children. The aim of this study was to explore parents’ everyday experiences of using this technology. Methods The parents of children with Type 1 diabetes diagnosed for > 1 year, aged 2–12 years were invited to participate in a semi‐structured interview. Interviews were the second phase of a randomized cross‐over study using standard insulin therapy with or without CGM and remote monitoring for two 3‐month periods. Open‐ended questions were used to explore parents’ real‐life experiences of the remote monitoring and CGM system. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Five themes related to remote monitoring emerged: (i) impact on sleep quality for the parents, (ii) peace of mind, (iii) impact on anxiety, (iv) freedom and confidence for the parents and children, and (v) impact on relationships. Furthermore, parents reported on themes related to CGM in general, such as better understanding of how to manage and control their child's diabetes and experiences related to physical or technical aspects. Conclusion Overall, parents of primary school children reported that using remote monitoring and CGM was a mostly beneficial experience. However, negative aspects within the themes were also reported. These findings will help to provide a structure to discuss parent and child expectations and provide targeted education at the start of using remote monitoring and CGM. What's new? Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has the potential to improve psychosocial well‐being; however, little is known about parents’ experiences with remote monitoring and CGM in young children. In this first qualitative study reporting on data pertinent to the use of remote monitoring and CGM, parents reported improved sleep quality, increased peace of mind, impact on anxiety, greater freedom and confidence and impact on relationships. This study provides insight into the use of remote monitoring and CGM. It highlights the need of defining parent and child expectations and of targeted education in specific groups such as young children or adolescents, particularly in the context of the parent–child relationship.