title: The nature and meaning of insulin pump use in emerging adults with type 1 diabetes.
abstract: Objective. The purpose of this study is to investigate the meaning of living with an insulin pump for the management of type 1 diabetes during the period of emerging adulthood. Through a phenomenological narrative, this study contributes to the reflective understanding of the everyday life experiences of this population. Methods. A hermeneutic phenomenological design was used for this study of nine emerging adults (aged 19-24 years). Data were generated through face-to-face interviews and analyzed using the phenomenological approach of Max van Manen. Results. Four themes represent the essence of the day-to-day experiences of these emerging adults: seeking control, becoming responsible, staying connected, and accepting me. Conclusions. An in-depth understanding of the meaning of daily experiences with insulin pump technology has the potential to promote a developmentally appropriate approach to this age-group. The human understanding gained through this study is essential to the development of evidence-based practice guidelines and resources for this vulnerable population.
authors.affiliation: Division of Nursing, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA.
authors.forename: Donna G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Hood
authors.affiliation: University of Texas, Tyler, TX.
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Duke