Evaluation of efforts to support students with Type 1 Diabetes in Ontario schools: survey of parents.

Abstract

Background: Children and youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) must have support to manage their condition at school. In 2017, Ontario students and their parents were surveyed to assess the level of school support and the extent to which that support met perceived needs. In 2018 a provincial policy was established, providing high level guidance regarding children with T1D in school. We redistributed our survey in 2023 to determine whether support for children with T1D has improved and where gaps remain.

Methods: An online survey was circulated to patients and families through the 35 Pediatric Diabetes Education Centres (PDEPs) in the Ontario Pediatric Diabetes Network (PDN) in 2017 and 2023. Survey responses were collected via REDCap software. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearsons Chi Squared Test. A Mann-Whitney U Test was used to compare satisfaction with school support.

Results: 1060 responses were received in 2017 and 437 responses in 2023. Between the two timepoints, respondents reported increased use of individual care plans, continuous glucose monitoring and improved management of hypoglycemia at school. There was no improvement in support for blood sugar monitoring or insulin administration. Overall, there was no increase in satisfaction with school support. Importantly, 37% of caregivers stopped work related to diabetes care at school.

Conclusions: School support for children with T1D has improved in specific domains. However gaps remain, and many families remain adversely affected by lack of support in school. Our findings suggest a need for ongoing advocacy to address care gaps.