Patient and ophthalmologist attitudes concerning compliance and dosing in glaucoma treatment.

摘要

AIM: The aim of this study was to identify research avenues that might improve patient compliance with glaucoma therapy. METHODS: 500 patients and physicians were interviewed by telephone in 5 European countries, and the results were compiled and evaluated by 2 independent physicians. RESULTS: Most physicians believed that pressure reduction is useful (UK (96%), France (94%), Spain (80%), Italy (72%), and Germany (70%), p < 0.0001). The majority of physicians believed that noncompliance exists in 0%-25% of patients, whereas 34% of patients admitted to noncompliance. Physicians believed patients would prefer once-daily dosing (92%) and that it would help compliance, whereas 60% of patients preferred once-daily dosing, and 20% of patients believed it would help compliance. Physicians (94%) believed that noncompliance could lead to visual loss and, while this information concerned most physicians, this was less likely in Germany (52%) (p < 0.0001). Most patients received information concerning dosing of their medicines (79%), and, accordingly, waited an average of 10 minutes between doses; but only half of the patients had been told to wait at least 5 minutes between instilling preparations. Approximately 2 of 3 patients knew that missing medicines could cause visual loss. CONCLUSIONS: Once-daily dosing to increase patient satisfaction and/or dosing convenience and providing patient education are potential clinical techniques that could be further evaluated as a means to increase compliance.