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Glaucoma logbook helps improve patients’ knowledge of disease
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A glaucoma logbook containing personal results in the course of therapy and information on the disease and available resources for glaucoma care had a positive impact on patients’ knowledge.
In previous studies, patients’ knowledge concerning glaucoma has been positively correlated with adherence to drop regimens and follow-up schedules. A glaucoma logbook was, therefore, developed through focus groups involving several contributors, including the study authors, a local glaucoma support group and the patients themselves through their feedback.
The logbook contained information on risk factors, instructions on how to instill drops, information on glaucoma though a FAQ section, the contact details of the glaucoma team as well as personalized information about the specific glaucoma diagnosis, IOP at presentation, treatment and follow-up schedule, and several pages where personal progress was recorded at each appointment over the follow-up.
Patients filled in a questionnaire to assess knowledge of the disease as they entered the study and filled it out again after 4 to 8 weeks of using the logbook. Of the initial 57 patients included, 35 competed the study by filling in both questionnaires.
The results showed a significant increase in the knowledge scores of the group after the implementation of the glaucoma logbook. Patients showed increased awareness of risk factors, including the heritability of glaucoma, and appreciated the importance of continued treatment and follow-up.
By detailing individual progress in the course of treatment and allowing patients to see any points in which pressure increases, the logbook helps patients appreciate the importance of regular treatment and follow-up, the authors noted.
“The logbook should not be seen as the only intervention, but one of a broad range of measures to improve knowledge and, thus, patient outcomes,” the authors wrote.
Other interventions include multi-media resources in waiting areas, which, combined with the logbook, could target “knowledge and other important education areas including the availability of compliance aids and the existence of glaucoma support groups.” – by Michela Cimberle
Disclosure: None of the authors reported any relevant financial disclosures.
Perspective
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Lisa M. Young, OD, FAAO
Patient communication is an art, a style, something that evolves with time and years of practice. Everyone has a different approach, but the goal is always the same: provide our patients with the knowledge they need to understand their medical condition. By better understanding glaucoma, they are more likely to adhere to treatment and follow-up visits. Your ability to educate patients thoroughly does, in fact, help them retain sight.
Daly and colleagues in their study of glaucoma logbooks reiterate the importance of patient education. They show that logbooks are effective at improving patient knowledge, which must certainly lead to better outcomes. This study is a great reminder that we are a team – doctor and patient, working together, both with great responsibilities, to achieve a common goal.
In this ever-changing health care industry, providing patients with information to understand their condition is the foundation that they need. Having this knowledge will hopefully empower them to not only be their own advocate, but to also partner with us to manage their health and improve their medical outcomes.
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