609-P: Virtual Peer Groups (VPG) for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) : Patient-Reported Importance of Specific Features

Background: VPG have been shown to improve psychosocial well-being in AYA with T1D, but it is unknown what aspects of VPG are most or least valued. Methods: CoYoT1 to California is a 15 month randomized controlled trial for patients ages 16-25 with T1D. AYA received Usual Care (n=28) or CoYoT1 Care (n=40) , which consisted of patient-centered provider visits and bimonthly VPG led by a YA with T1D. VPG were AYA-driven discussions focused on topics pertinent to AYA with T1D, emphasizing problem-solving and emotional support. At study end, VPG participants responded to a survey about their preferences for intervention features. Results: CoYoT1 Care patients were 40% female, 53% Latinx, and 72% publicly insured; and they attended 1.9 VPG each on average. AYA who attended at least one VPG participated in 4.1 VPG on average. The average session had 4.5 AYA present; each topic was covered by 9.6 AYA on average. Most survey respondents (75%) reported VPG were extremely or very valuable in supporting their T1D care. Seeing peers use diabetes technology and being supported by same-aged peers with T1D increased VPG value the most. Larger group size and not feeling comfortable sharing decreased value the most. Conclusion: Peer interactions may support unmet needs of AYA with T1D from diverse backgrounds. Further work will help optimize the design of VPG based on patient preferences.