The researchers did this study to assess whether a new clinical pathway for glaucoma was acceptable to patients and healthcare professionals and whether it provided useful clinical information on non-responsiveness and non-adherence to the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure with latanoprost eye drops.
A single-arm non-randomized prospective observational study is incorporating new glaucoma/ocular hypertension patients. Researchers conducted qualitative observation and interviews with patients and health professionals to assess issues of acceptability. Adherence data were collected using a Medicine Event Monitoring System. Economic analyses compared the costs between the novel and common care pathways.
Researchers approached a total of 72 patients. Out of the total 72, only 53 entered the study, and 50 completed all procedures. Intraocular pressure was reduced by more than 15% in 83 out of 92 study eyes by the final visit.
The study concluded that the Cardiff Model of Glaucoma Care offers novel clinical and adherence insights at marginal costs while acceptable to patients. Healthcare professionals felt that 4 hours and 4-week follow-up appointments could cause administrative problems. A streamlined version of the pathway is developed to facilitate clinical adoption.
Reference: https://bjo.bmj.com/content/104/12/1704
