The Role of Digital Media in Offering Office-Based Glaucoma interventions: Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) & Bimatoprost-SR Intracameral (IC) Implants

Abstract

Purpose : To gauge the influence of digital medicine in interventional glaucoma education (selective laser trabeculoplasty and intracameral bimatoprost-SR / Durysta, Allergan-Abbvie) and the subsequent patient decision to proceed with that intervention.

Methods : The study was conducted at EyeCare Consultants of New Jersey’s. A 120 glaucoma patients were surveyed from March to November 2022, who were all candidates for interventional glaucoma procedures (SLT or IC Bimatoprost-SR). 60 patients (Group 1) received digital instructions/education during initial visit and day of intervention with CheckedUp, a patient education digital platform utilizing auditory, visual, and touch media. Attention was given to the pathophysiology and anatomy of glaucoma including the mechanism of action of SLT or IC Bimatoprost-SR. An interpreter was available if needed. 60 patients (Group 2) received verbal instructions and education. Both groups were surveyed at a follow-up in-person visit four to six weeks after the intervention. Surveys throughout the study elicited responses to gauge full understanding of the glaucoma intervention.

Results : The survey results demonstrated a significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2. In Group 1, 90% (54/60: 40 SLT & 14 BIM-SR/60 pts) of patients reported a full understanding of their interventional glaucoma procedure including the reason for the intervention, how the intervention worked, and the need for continuing glaucoma surveillance and compliance (this group was exposed to digital education and surveyed out to four-six weeks later). In Group 2, 67% (40/60: 30 SLT & 10 BIM-SR/60 pts) of patients reported a full understanding of their interventional glaucoma procedure as over 30% “forgot” some of the details during the four-six week follow-up visit (this group was exposed to verbal communication and education only). A majority of Group 1 patients also commented that the digital platform, with details and images of where the interventional glaucoma procedure worked, really helped retain a full understanding even many weeks later.

Conclusions : This study illustrates the ability of digital medicine platforms to educate patients when undergoing eye care procedures such as “interventional glaucoma." Digital solutions like CheckedUp optimize patient care and compliance and need to be afforded to a greater array of patients.

This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.