Abstract
Purpose :
Patient education strategies in cataract surgery have not been formally reviewed. To address this research gap, we compiled all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and evaluated the comparative effectiveness of interventions in cataract surgery patient education.
Methods :
Systematic review of English-language RCTs using five electronic literature databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), with no restriction limits on date of publication. Quality appraisals were conducted for both individual studies and outcome-specific bodies of evidence, using the Oxford quality scoring system and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) guidelines, respectively.
Results :
Out of 755 resultant records, 16 RCTs were eligible for review. Investigational interventions often supplemented interpersonal instruction with a visual, audio, and/or computer-based resource. Most trials (11/16; 69%) reported significantly greater efficacy (in at least one patient outcome) with delivery of the investigational intervention. Out of 21 total patient outcomes, consistent improvements in efficacy were noted for only the two knowledge outcomes: patient understanding of cataracts/cataract surgery and post-operative care. Poor GRADE ratings were observed for all multiple-study outcomes as well as for deciding to undergo cataract surgery (measured only in a single study).
Conclusions :
Investigational interventions related to cataract surgery frequently optimized patient knowledge, but not other clinical, performance, or humanistic outcomes. The current evidence exhibits limited methodological quality, underscoring a need for more high-quality studies in patient education strategies for cataract surgery.
This is an abstract that was submitted for the 2018 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 29 - May 3, 2018.