Design and feasibility testing of IDC-VI: a theory-informed intervention to support medication dispensing and counselling to patients with vision impairment

Abstract Background There is limited research on interventions that can support medication use in patients with vision impairment. The United Kingdom’s Medical Research Council advocates a systematic approach for the development and evaluation of an intervention before it can be implemented in routine practice. The aim of this study was to develop and test the feasibility of a novel theory-based intervention to support medication dispensing and counselling for patients with vision impairment. Methods Eight key domains from the Theoretical Domains Framework identified in prior research were mapped to behaviour change techniques (BCTs), which were then operationalised into a workable intervention. The intervention was subsequently tested in a small feasibility study at the outpatient pharmacy of a tertiary care centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The feasibility of participants’ screening/recruitment and data collection, the acceptability of the intervention, and the fidelity of intervention delivery were all assessed to determine whether modifications were required. Results Eight BCTs were incorporated into the development of the IDC-VI (Intervention for Dispensing and Counselling for the Visually Impaired). The IDC-VI consisted of a training session for pharmacists, a checklist (IDC-VI checklist) to guide the dispensing and counselling processes, in addition to other supporting materials. During the feasibility study, two pharmacists utilised the intervention elements with five visually impaired patients. Favourable opinions were expressed by pharmacists and patients/caregivers, but several modifications were suggested. Patient recruitment and the IDC-VI checklist were highlighted as areas that require further consideration. Conclusions The development of the IDC-VI intervention reported here aligns with best practice recommendations. The study assessed the initial feasibility of the intervention rather than its effectiveness. It will require a number of amendments before being retested in a larger pilot trial. These should include modifications to the checklist and identifying the most suitable setting for future testing. If proven feasible, the effectiveness of the IDC-VI may then be evaluated in a randomised controlled trial.