AS14 Human factor in the use of diabetes technology

380 - LIVED EXPERIENCES OF PEOPLE WITH DIABETES USING DO-IT-YOURSELF ARTIFICIAL PANCREAS SYSTEMS - ANALYSIS OF RESPONSES TO OPEN-ENDED ITEMS IN AN INTERNATIONAL SURVEY

Session Type
E-POSTER VIEWING (EXHIBITION HOURS)
Session Name
HUMAN FACTOR IN THE USE OF DIABETES TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

Background and Aims

Knowledge about how Do-it-Yourself Artificial Pancreas Systems (DIYAPS) impact upon the lives of those that build and use them remains limited. Until now, only a few have been able to give voice to their experiences in a research context. In this study we present data that addresses and details the lived experiences of people using DIYAPS.

Methods

An online survey with 34 items was distributed to DIYAPS users recruited through the Facebook groups “Looped” (and regional sub-groups) and via Twitter. Participants were posed two open-ended questions in the survey about their personal DIY APS stories; including perceived changes in clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) and difficulties encountered in the process. All answers were analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results

In total, 886 adults responded to the survey and there were a combined 656 responses to the two open-ended items. Knowledge of DIYAPS was largely obtained via exposure to communication within the diabetes online community (DOC). The DOC was also a primary source of practical and emotional support. Dramatic improvements in clinical and QoL outcomes were consistently reported. The emotional impact on everyday life was, with very few exceptions, extremely positive. Acquisition of the requisite equipment to initiate DIYAPS was sometimes a barrier.

Conclusions

Responses from users of DIYAPS acquired in this study provide new insights regarding the contours of this evolving phenomenon, highlighting factors inspiring people to adopt such solutions and underlining the transformative impact effective closed-loop systems bring to bear on the everyday lives of people with diabetes.

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