Abstract
Purpose:
The Philadelphia Glaucoma Detection and Treatment Project is a community-based project that aims to improve detection, management, treatment, and follow-up care of individuals at high risk for glaucoma in community-based settings in Philadelphia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of educational workshops on the level of knowledge, perceived risk of glaucoma, and rate of attendance in a subsequent glaucoma detection exam.
Methods:
Participants completed an 8-question pre-test to assess knowledge about glaucoma, attended an educational workshop, and completed a post-test. A paired samples t-test was used to assess mean differences in composite scores, correct responses, and perceived risk of glaucoma from pre-test to post-test. The rate of attendance of the eye exam following the educational workshops was assessed.
Results:
Seven hundred and seven pre- and post-test surveys were completed. For all 8 questions, there was a significant increase in the level of knowledge about glaucoma (P<0.001). The composite scores increased from M=3.86 (SD=1.95) to M=4.97 (SD=1.82), P<0.001. There was a 30% increase in participants’ perceived risk of glaucoma (from 30% to 39%, P<0.001). Out of the 5 largest sites, 44% (n=221/480) of the participants who attended an educational workshop made a glaucoma examination appointment and 33%(n=160/480) kept their appointment and attended the glaucoma detection exam.
Conclusions:
Our study is in agreement with others, showing an increase of individuals’ knowledge of glaucoma following educational intervention. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the impact of educational workshops on recruitment of patients for a glaucoma detection exam in community-based settings. Educational workshops increased knowledge and awareness about glaucoma and were helpful in recruiting patients for community-based glaucoma detection exams. We recommend including these workshops in outreach programs.<br />