Abstract
Purpose :
To determine if exposure to digital media improves patients’ knowledge of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) and impacts patient decision-making for subsequent standalone MIGS.
Methods :
The research was conducted at EyeCare Consultants of New Jersey’s two locations: Woodland Park (WP) and Edison (E), New Jersey.
Through interviews with three eyecare providers (2 ophthalmologists, 1 optometrist), a survey was conducted amongst 36 patients (18 WP, 18 E) presenting with glaucoma eligible for surgical intervention. During their visits, patients were shown videos from CheckedUp pertaining to glaucoma and Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). CheckedUp is an online digital platform that uses tools such as interactive videos to provide patient education.
The 18 patients at each location were divided into two groups to assess their knowledge of glaucoma, available MIGS options, and the benefits of seeking surgical intervention. Group 1 (n=18, 9 WP 9 E) received standard education, defined as conversation with their provider, while Group 2 (n=18, 9 WP 9 E) received standard education plus supplementary education with CheckedUp. Eyecare providers surveyed patients across multiple visits to observe whether the videos affected the patients’ understanding of MIGS and the benefits it can provide.
Results :
The poll results indicated that 89% (n=8/9) of WP patients and 78% (n=7/9) of E patients exposed to supplementary education with CheckedUp found the interaction to be helpful in their understanding of MIGS and resulted in a decision to pursue standalone MIGS. Meanwhile, 33% (n=3/9) of WP patients and 33% (n=3/9) of E patients who did not receive supplementary education found standard interaction helpful in their understanding of MIGS and resulted in a decision to pursue standalone MIGS.
Conclusions :
We found that 83% (n=15/18) of patients surveyed found the CheckedUp videos to be helpful in understanding MIGS and the decision to pursue standalone surgery compared to 33% (n=6/18) in the control group. This suggests digital media may be an effective tool for improving patient awareness and surgical adoption, and could play a role in improving overall patient decision-making in glaucoma management.
This abstract was presented at the 2024 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, WA, May 5-9, 2024.