Experiences of Patients Adopting and Adapting to Closed-Loop Insulin Delivery Systems (CLIDS)

The purpose of the study was to explore the perspectives and experiences of adults with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) who are currently using the closed-loop insulin delivery system (CLIDS). Eleven adults with T1DM who used closed-loop insulin pumps for at least 6 months participated in this qualitative descriptive study. Four themes emerged from the rich descriptions: (1) striving for improvement, (2) missing a magic wand effect, (3) seeking support, and (4) barriers to adaptation. These themes represent both process-based and psychosocial implications for nursing practice and patient education. To optimize CLIDS use and outcome, the antecedent conditions that contribute to patients’ decision to adopt it must be understood. Then, interventions that focus on setting realistic expectations must be created. Patients need support as they incorporate CLIDS into their T1DM self-management. Training health care providers on the idiosyncrasies of adapting to CLIDS is critical. Patients must learn to relinquish control and trust the machine and manage the anxiety the system’s intrusive alarms cause them so they can be better supported cognitively and psychosocially.