The Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) Adolescent Diabetes Service (ADS) clinics have had several updates thanks to your feedback, including the introduction of “Welcome to Ads group sessions” for teenagers.
Running on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at PCH, the ADS clinics are designed to address the specific needs for teenagers with type 1 diabetes and support the parent or caregiver during the adolescent years.
The ADS clinic focuses on characteristics unique to adolescents with type 1 diabetes and how this complex developmental period and emotionally challenging time can impact on diabetes management. The aim is to help prepare adolescents for the transition to adult services.
Routine diabetes care and topics such as mental health, diabetes burn-out, social media and screen time, diabetes technology, learner’s permits and safe driving are among the topics covered in clinic.
Thanks to all the families who participated in the survey during the Welcome to Ads group sessions. Results showed group sessions are what most of our teens and parents are keen for. We are planning on introducing group sessions that aim to help the adolescents be more independent and more confident with self-management.
The results also told us that parents and families want more education around transitioning to adult services, in particular mental health and disability services. The sessions will also provide access to other health professionals as required and provide counselling to patients and families around any anxieties they may have.
If you would like to provide feedback on the ADS clinic email PCHDiabetesTriage@health.wa.gov.au