Title : Evaluating patient communication in the retinal unit at Moorfields eye hospital: A survey-based study on intravitreal injection therapy
Abstract:
Background: Intravitreal injection (IVI) therapy used in the management of exudative retinal diseases has expanded significantly following the introduction of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs. With an ageing population in the UK, the numbers of patients requiring IVI therapy are set to grow, with over 750,000 procedures1 performed in England in 2023. IVI procedures are a high-volume NHS activity2 and a key indicator in the Department of Health & Social Care 2024 Vision Profile. The aim of this study was to evaluate communication with patients pre- and post-IVI therapy and to identify strategies to maximise treatment adherence, increase patient knowledge and enhance patient wellbeing.
Method: A standardised 16-point questionnaire was developed as a survey tool with responses collected over a one-week period in the Retinal Unit (RU). Themes explored in the questionnaire included information satisfaction, symptom expectations, avenues of obtaining ophthalmic advice and patient confidence whilst undergoing IVI therapy. Demographic data including age, sex and ethnicity were collated.
Results: 198 patients participated in this study. The entire cohort were English speakers; 74% being native and the remainder speaking English as a second language. The most prevalent ocular condition for which IVIs were administered was neovascular age-related macular degeneration (53%) followed by retinal vein occlusion (16%). 48% of patients were ‘very satisfied’ with the information provided prior to IVI. 69% of patients received written information prior to the procedure. 83% of patients who received an information leaflet were aware of symptoms post-IVI requiring urgent ophthalmic review in comparison to 69% of patients who did not receive an information leaflet. 79% of patients received care instructions post-IVI. 83% of patients were confident contacting RTU if required, with the preferred mode of communication being telephone for the two-thirds of respondents. 12 patients developed an IVI related complication requiring emergency hospital attendance.
Conclusion: Providing patients with written communication on IVI therapy improves patient satisfaction and increases patient knowledge; empowering patients to make informed decisions on IVI treatment and encouraging patients to seek urgent ophthalmic advice when required.
