ABSTRACT Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use has been shown to improve glycemic control and diabetes adherence. However, individual and systemic level barriers to CGM use may influence a patient’s decision to use this technology. Thus, understanding these barriers can lead to development of strategies to overcome potential obstacles. Our study was performed at the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center (HSDHC) in Portland, Oregon, the largest academic medical center in Oregon. Patients or caregivers of patients with type 1 diabetes ≥ 6 months completed a survey including both qualitative and quantitative sections regarding the patient’s current glucose monitoring system and general attitude toward CGM use. The survey included the validated glucose monitoring system satisfaction survey (GMSS-T1D) in addition to qualitative sections focused on self-identified barriers to CGM use. A total of 69 out of 114 patients completed the survey. Participants ranged from 3-19 years old, with mean age of 12.6 years. Of those surveyed, 70% were CGM users and 30% were standard glucose monitor (SGM) users, with 64% of SGM users having previously used a CGM. Reported barriers to CGM use were grouped into categories for comparison. Notably, a similar percentage of current (40%) and previous (33%) CGM users reported healthcare system-related barriers to CGM use as a major barrier. Prior CGM users (40%) reported issues with the device itself, while only 20% of current CGM users identified this as a barrier. Despite these identified barriers, current CGM users in our cohort reported higher device satisfaction and had significantly better glycemic control compared to SGM users. This study identifies potentially actionable barriers to CGM use that can be addressed proactively by healthcare providers to promote increased utilization in the pediatric population.
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