ReShape T1D study

Project Partners

Physician Learning Program (PLP)

University of Alberta (Doctoral Student Jamie Boisvenue, Dr. Rose Yeung – PLP Senior Medical Director)

Individuals living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)

Clinicians working in T1D care settings

Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR) Collaborative Forum

Diabetes Action Canada

Local Edmonton artist with lived experience of T1D

Background

The Reshape T1D study aims to explore how people living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) interact with Alberta’s healthcare systems. Many challenges in T1D care relate to accessibility, empathy, and system responsiveness. Using a participatory action research approach, the study engaged both patients and clinicians as co-researchers to deeply examine and improve these care experiences. This person-centered model is designed to identify and address barriers to equitable, safe, and compassionate diabetes care, building on the lived experiences of those most affected.

Aims/Objectives

Use participatory action research to explore healthcare experiences of people with T1D

Identify how clinicians can incorporate person-centered care practices

Co-develop actionable recommendations to improve clinical quality

Create the Type 1 Diabetes Lived Experiences Framework for Clinical Quality Improvement

Disseminate findings through creative, arts-based knowledge translation

Findings/Summary

The Reshape T1D study has produced critical insights into the lived experience of individuals with T1D in Alberta’s healthcare system. The research revealed gaps in empathetic, safe, and equitable care and highlighted opportunities for clinicians to adopt more person-centered approaches. Key outputs include the Type 1 Diabetes Lived Experiences Framework and a set of actionable clinical recommendations, which have already influenced health policy in areas such as nutrition and Alberta’s Insulin Pump Program. A unique aspect of this work is its arts-based knowledge translation strategy, featuring a curated art collection by an Edmonton-based artist with T1D. The collection, drawing from themes in the study, will be showcased at national forums to enhance understanding and engagement with the findings.

Conclusions/Outcomes/Impact/Implications

This project has already shaped policy and practice in diabetes care and offers a replicable model for co-designed health system improvement. By prioritizing lived experience and arts-based dissemination, the study not only informs clinical practice but also humanizes it. The Reshape T1D framework and recommendations support lasting, person-centered change in T1D care, demonstrating the power of participatory methods in driving health system transformation.