Improving Diabetes Clinics Experience for Young Adults – The D1 Now Study
Introduction
Research Area:
Type 1 Diabetes
What is the research about?
The D1 Now Study is focused on improving diabetes care for young adults living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Many young adults find that diabetes clinics are not always designed with their needs in mind, which can make it harder to engage with healthcare services.
This research aims to test new ways of supporting young adults (18-25) living with type 1 diabetes in clinics, ensuring that their experiences, preferences, and challenges are considered. A key part of this work is involving young adults in shaping the research itself, through the Young Adult Panel (YAP). YAP members help guide the study, ensuring that the interventions we develop are practical, engaging, and truly beneficial for young adults with T1D.
Over the years, many of our YAP members have gained valuable experience and are now stepping into new roles as YAP Mentors. These mentors are experienced YAP members who will support new YAP members as they settle in
and help with onboarding and answer any questions about getting involved.
We are looking to recruit 8-9 PPI contributors aged between 18-25 with type one diabetes who care about improving the health and welfare of those living with type 1 diabetes
Opportunity for:
Involvement Opportunity Details
Time
Time commitment:
Young Adult Panel (YAP) members are invited to attend 1–2 online meetings per month, each lasting about 1 hour. These sessions are an opportunity to share ideas, provide feedback, and help shape the research. Participation is completely voluntary, and while we encourage members to join when they can, attending every session is not mandatory. There may also be additional opportunities, such as workshops, reviewing study materials, or contributing to specific tasks, but these are optional and based on individual availability and interest.
Contact between meetings:
Between meetings, YAP members may be invited to give feedback via email, short surveys, or group chats, depending on their availability and interest. There may also be opportunities to: Review study materials (e.g., flyers, participant information) Help with recruitment strategies for the upcoming trial Join smaller working groups focused on specific tasks (e.g., research work, document reviewing, website design, social media content, event planning) Take part in optional training or workshops to develop skills relevant to the project All activities are voluntary, and members can choose how much they want to be involved outside of regular meetings.
Length of involvement:
YAP membership is flexible and ongoing, with no fixed end date. Members can stay involved for as long as they feel interested and able to contribute. The current phase of the D1 Now study, including the upcoming clinical trial, is expected to run for the next 36 months, and YAP members will play a key role in shaping this work. There will be regular check-ins, and members can step back or take breaks as needed—participation is always voluntary.
Start date for involvement:
01/05/2025
Logistics
Where?
If online, explain how:
Meetings and activities will primarily take place via Zoom or Microsoft Teams, with additional communication through email and group chats as needed.
If in person, explain where:
Occasionally, there may be opportunities for in-person workshops or events based on members' availability and preference, which would likely be held in Galway or Dublin. However, in-person participation is completely optional, and most activities will remain accessible online.
Other ways of communicating:
and documents. WhatsApp or Discord (TBC with members) – For quick updates / meeting invites / reminders / We will use a mix of communication channels to keep members engaged and informed: Email – For key updates
Funding available for:
If no funding available, explain why:
Not applicable
Other Information
Stage of the research study/ programme:
Research started
Is this opportunity for PPI in a PhD:
No
Closing date to contact researchers:
30/06/2025
Research Team
Contact person:
Dr Aswathi Surendran
University/organisation:
University of Galway
Contact email:
d1now@universityofgalway.ie
Researcher background:
Reseaecrhers and heakth care professionals
Research funder:
HRB
Photo:
Interested in this PPI Opportunity?
Please complete this form and click SUBMIT