FL3X: An Adaptive Intervention to Improve Outcomes for Youth With Type 1 Diabetes

The FL3X Adaptive Intervention was designed to increase adherence to T1D self-management including medical management (blood sugar testing and insulin dosing), diet, and physical activity. FL3X relies on MI, and problem-solving skills training (PSST) as the basis for the counseling strategy, and creates a coherent integration across three key components of 1) behavior family systems therapy focused on family communications and teamwork; 2) individualized diabetes education in response to knowledge gaps relevant to behavioral goal attainment; and 3) use of currently available communications technology to support behavioral goal attainment through participant-defined reminders and motivational boosters, and/or peer support.

All FL3X intervention participants received "FL3X-Basic", which was the initial 3-month intervention that includes 4 sessions (40-60 min), supplemented with short additional contacts (via text, email, or web-based communication) as needed. Thereafter, applying principles of adaptive interventions, based on a decision rule using A1c values measured at defined intervals, participants are iteratively assigned to "FL3X-Check-in" or "FL3X-Regular", both of which continue with MI and PSST for the underlying counseling strategy. In FL3X-Check-in, participants who are doing well ("responders") will receive minimal ongoing support to reinforce successful strategies through brief monthly "touch-base" contacts. In FL3X-Regular, those who are "Regular-responders" will have a minimum of 3-4 in-person full-length sessions (40-60 min) over each 6-month interval, with additional brief contacts as needed (e.g., text, voice, or internet). FL3X participants randomized to the control group received usual care.