2017-P: Acceptability of T1D-CATCH: A Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) Specialty Community Health Worker (CHW) Model

Introduction and Objective: T1D-CATCH (Collaboration Around Technology using Community Health Workers) was a hybrid effectiveness-implementation randomized trial evaluating a 6-month CHW intervention to increase diabetes technology use among high-risk young adults with T1D. Co-designed with young adults and providers, the intervention aimed to reduce provider burden and deliver patient-centered technology support. This report focuses on provider acceptability. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with endocrinology providers whose patients participated in T1D-CATCH (n=9: 5 adult, 4 pediatric). CHWs assisted with technology access, training coordination, and electronic medical record documentation. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by two independent coders, using an inductive approach. Results: Both adult and pediatric providers viewed the CHW model favorably, citing reduced workload and interest in future collaboration with CHWs. Reported patient benefits included: (1) individualized technology education for patients supporting shared decision-making; (2) expertise in addressing social needs; and (3) removal of workflow barriers to accelerate technology adoption. Conclusion: T1D-CATCH was highly acceptable to pediatric and adult endocrinologists, adding value through provider burden reduction and patient-centered support for social needs and technology navigation. Specialty CHWs warrant further exploration as a promising, scalable component of team-based T1D care.