A qualitative study exploring the expectations of people living with type 1 diabetes regarding prospective use of a hybrid closed-loop system.

AIM

To identify the expectations of a diversified sample of informed adults with type 1 diabetes on their prospective use of a hybrid closed-loop system.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 adults with type 1 diabetes who shared their expectations on an experimental hybrid closed-loop system after receiving information on its design, functioning and capability. The sample had equal representation of genders and diabetes management methods and was diversified according to age, education and occupation when possible. Qualitative content analysis of the interview transcripts with MaxQDA was used to identify expected benefits, expected inconveniences and concerns, expected improvements to design and functionalities, and interest and trust in the system.

RESULTS

Participants expected benefits regarding diabetes management, clinical outcomes, psychosocial aspects of their lives, nutrition and meals, and physical activity. Participants expected inconveniences or shared concerns regarding wearability, costs and technical limitations. According to participants, improvements could be made to the system's physical appearance, practical convenience, functionalities, and software integration. Overall, 12 participants would use the system. While participants' trust could be immediate or grow over time, it could ultimately be conditional on the system's performance.

CONCLUSION

Prospective users' general enthusiasm and trust foster the clinical and commercial success of hybrid closed-loop systems. However, poor user satisfaction caused by unrealistic expectations and plausible inconveniences and concerns may limit this success. Providing prospective users with comprehensive information while validating their understanding could mitigate unrealistic expectations. Improvements to design and coverage policies could favour uptake.