Parent perceptions of new paediatric diabetes telephone clinics during COVID-19

Introduction: During the COVID-19 lockdowns, telephone clinics (TCs) were introduced to continue paediatric diabetes care in Children’s Health Ireland Crumlin. 

Methods: Paper questionnaires were distributed in face-to-face diabetes clinics (FTFC) in October 2020. TC users were invited to participate. Results were analysed using Excel. 

Results: Analysed responses represent 15.9% of the TC user population (36/226). Median patient age was 12 years (range 5-16, 35/36). Treatment was with pump therapy in 54.3%(19/35) and subcutaneous injections in 40% (14/35). Continuous glucose monitors were used by 79.4% (27/34) and fingerprick measurements by 20.6% (7/34). Median satisfaction was 8/10 (range 2-10, 36/36). TCs were: ‘better than FTFC’ in 5.6% (2/36), ‘about the same as FTFC’ in 22.2% (8/36), ‘not quite as good as FTFC but an acceptable alternative’ in 63.9% (23/36) and ‘not satisfactory’ in 8.3% (3/36). 88.2% (30/34) reported TCs helped to safely continue diabetes management. Advantages included reduced waiting times (22.2%, 8/36), less time away from work/school (19.44%, 7/36), and less travel time (16.7%, 6/36). Disadvantages included lacking HbA1c results (25%, 6/24) and a less personal experience (25%, 6/24). 64.7% (22/34) were interested in continuing TCs in combination with FTFC long-term. 

Conclusion: This pilot study reported high rates of parent satisfaction and interest in continuing TCs in a small sample size.