Abstract
Purpose: :
To assess the possible role, and potential feature set of occlusion dose monitors (ODMs) in routine clinical practice. To date, ODMs have been exclusively used as a research tool (see, e.g. Stewart et al., BMJ 2007;335:707, Loudon et al., Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2006;47:4393-400). We sought the views of relevant stake-holders pursuant to our aim.
Methods: :
Focus group methodology to elicit opinions from three groups of individuals: parents of children who were familiar with the use of a prototype ODM having previously participated in a clinical trial of amblyopia treatment (PF); parents who were unfamiliar with ODM use but whose children had recently undergone occlusion therapy (PUF); senior orthoptists who had no previous experience of ODM use (SO). The group discussions were facilitated by an independent market researcher and lasted approximately 2 hours. The facilitator opened each session by initiating a general discussion on amblyopia therapy before eliciting opinions on the principles and practice of occlusion dose monitoring.
Results: :
PF (n=4): Expressed reservations over use of wireless technology; requested the incorporation of several design features: audible prompts, games and video technology, ability to transfer data to family PC or web page. PUF (n=15): Expressed reservations over use of wireless technology and of monitoring occlusion in principle; a 'data display' (of patching dose achieved) was thought to be a potential aid to compliance. SO (n=10): Considered ODMs might usefully be employed in clinical practice; incorporation of an ODM into a watch or mp3 player thought beneficial and use of wireless technology (no leads connecting patch to logging unit) essential; the importance of size, customization for gender, adaptability for spectacle occlusion were also raised.
Conclusions: :
The focus groups yielded a plethora of relevant opinions. For the most part these related to ergonomic and design features of ODM construction whose practicality can now be evaluated. A strong divergence of opinion existed among parents and orthoptists regarding the adoption of wireless technologies.
Keywords: amblyopia • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: systems/equipment/techniques • clinical research methodology