A UK Healthcare Professional Perspective on the Implementation of Monitoring in Children and Young People With Early‐Stage Type 1 Diabetes: A Qualitative Study

Aims Research studies that screen and monitor children and young people (CYP) with early‐stage type 1 diabetes (T1D) are gaining momentum, but the views of healthcare professionals (HCP) on the ability to implement monitoring strategies in clinical practice remain unclear. This study aims to explore the perspectives of HCPs in the United Kingdom on monitoring CYP with early‐stage T1D in clinical care. Materials and Methods Fifteen HCPs across the United Kingdom took part in a semi‐structured interview, with representation from across the paediatric diabetes multidisciplinary team. The perspectives of HCPs on monitoring CYP with early‐stage T1D for progression to clinical disease were explored. Data analysis was conducted using a thematic analysis approach. Results Three themes were generated: (1) Uncertainty managing the early stages of T1D; (2) The need for guidance, training and consistent messaging; (3) Integrating monitoring into clinical care. Participants highlighted that knowledge gaps created uncertainty in their approach to monitoring. HCPs sought guidance and clear pathways to support their decision‐making on understanding the risk of progression associated with early‐stage T1D and which test to use when monitoring and communicating risk to families. HCPs were supportive of monitoring within clinical care but emphasised the need for expansion of clinical services to meet increased caseloads and upskilling the HCP workforce. Conclusions HCPs would support the monitoring of CYP within a clinical care setting but highlight important barriers to implementation that need addressing before national rollout. This includes HCP education, clear pathways to ensure national guidance and standardisation of clinical practice, and expansion of clinical services.