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Health literacy associated with reporting of side effects, adherence
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Glaucoma patients with a lower health literacy were reported to be less likely to express issues with side effects and eye drop administration, according to a recent study published in Optometry and Vision Science.
Slota and colleagues videotaped the medical visits of 279 glaucoma patients from six ophthalmology clinics. All participants were interviewed after the visits.
Researchers examined the visits and interviews to determine if patients expressed nonadherence or issues with eye drop administration or side effects. They also assessed whether these issues were associated with patient demographics.
Results showed that participants with lower health literacy were significantly less likely to express issues with eye drop administration or medication side effects.
Additionally, "This study showed an association between patient expression of side effects and an expression of nonadherence," the authors concluded. "To improve medication adherence, providers should work with patients to assess their unique medication-related problems and develop strategies to overcome these problems." – by Chelsea Frajerman
Disclosures: Slota reported no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
Perspective
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Carl H. Jacobsen, OD, FAAO
There are many barriers to successful glaucoma management, but few as pervasive and elusive as failure to adhere to medical treatment.
Slota and colleagues interviewed 279 patients in order to identify factors influencing effective medical glaucoma treatment. Not surprisingly, they found that better educated patients are more likely to report problems with drug side effects and drop administration.
When reading studies on nonadherence, I often feel that the results do not apply to my patient population. Your patients may be nonadherers, but I am sure my patients all take their drops. Admit it, you feel the same. Sadly, nonadherence exists to a greater or lesser extent in everyone’s glaucoma population.
One fact we must all agree on is the importance of patient education in the glaucoma management process. Engage your patients in this process. Explain, educate and share exam information. As demonstrated in this study, your engaged and educated patient will make you a more successful glaucoma manager.
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