On improving methods of educating patients with glaucoma

PURPOSE. To study the ability of ophthalmologists to provide patients with glaucoma with comprehensive information regarding the nature of the disease, its progression, prognosis, monitoring, treatment, and prevention in real clinical practice. METHODS . The study was conducted by surveying 377 ophthalmologists across 53 regions of the Russian Federation. The majority (79.6%) of respondents worked in outpatient clinics, 13% combined inpatient and outpatient care, and 7.4% worked exclusively in hospitals. Most respondents (96.6%) were practicing clinicians, 2.9% had combined roles, and 0.5% were academic faculty. RESULTS. A total of 91.2% of respondents reported being able to assess a glaucoma patient’s knowledge of their disease during a consultation. Additionally, 65.8% of ophthalmologists stated that they were able to provide detailed information on the goals and methods of medical therapy to patients and their families during consultations. Furthermore, 39.8% recommended that patients keep a self-monitoring diary when feasible. A similar percentage of respondents (40.3% and 40.6%) believed that treatment plans should be discussed either with the patient alone or with both the patient and their spouse. The most preferred educational tool among ophthalmologists was a brochure containing recommendations. Moreover, 87.5% believed that treatment prognosis was the most interesting topic for patients, 75.1% considered the patient's education level to be the most important factor influencing their attitude towards treatment, and 76.4% felt that establishing regular follow-up intervals facilitated more effective therapy. According to the ophthalmologists, 75.5% of patients understood that glaucoma treatment is lifelong. The ophthalmologists estimated that, on average, 49.8% of patients visited their doctor at least once every three months. CONCLUSION. The majority of ophthalmologists support the idea of providing glaucoma patients with information about their disease, its treatment, and lifestyle modifications beyond regular consultations. They are also willing to participate directly in educational activities. A new model of interaction between physicians and the patient community is emerging, which aims to engage more glaucoma patients in educational and motivational programs.