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Aim: To explore and describe the experiences of Swedish diabetes specialist nurses in supporting emerging adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus after the transfer from paediatric to adult care.

Background: The transfer from paediatric to adult care for emerging adults living with type 1 diabetes mellitus is a critical period that can impact their well-being and long-term health outcomes. Diabetes specialist nurses play a crucial role in supporting these individuals during the transitions in emerging adulthood. However, their experiences and challenges in providing optimal support have not been extensively studied.

Method: We used a qualitative descriptive design. Ten diabetes nurse specialists from six different Swedish hospitals participated in recorded individual interviews by video link or face-to-face using a semistructured interview guide. Data collection spanned from May to December 2023, and the data were analysed with qualitative content analysis. Informed consent was obtained.

Results: The main theme of the results was ambition to optimise individual support but with hands tied by structural barriers with three additional themes concentrating on the individual and the relationship, emphasising long-term objectives in self-management support, and struggling with obstacles to providing accessible care. The results indicate that while diabetes specialist nurses focus on building strong relationships and emphasise long-term goals in self-management support, they encounter significant obstacles when providing accessible care after the transfer to adult care.

Conclusion: Diabetes specialist nurses highlighted a need for education and training that extends beyond simply managing the medical condition, considering various life transitions and psychosocial challenges. The findings indicate that future standards for supportive interventions should prioritise existential and psychosocial factors. There is a lack of systematic national consensus on collaboration, as the diabetes specialist nurses reported differing experiences regarding transfers and continuity of care.