Is Patient Knowledge of Glaucoma Improved by Using a Glaucoma Logbook?

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Health Informatics
• Patient Education

Background:

• Patient-held records are increasingly utilized in healthcare, especially for chronic conditions like glaucoma.
• Evidence supporting the efficacy of these tools, such as logbooks, is currently limited.
• This study addresses the need for data on the impact of patient-held records in glaucoma care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a newly designed glaucoma logbook on patient knowledge.
• To evaluate changes in patient knowledge scores after the introduction of a personalized logbook.
• To determine if a patient-held record can enhance understanding of glaucoma.

Main Methods:

• A test-retest methodology was employed using a validated knowledge questionnaire.
• Patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension received a personalized glaucoma logbook.
• Knowledge scores were reassessed after 4 to 8 weeks, with changes analyzed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Main Results:

• A total of 56 patients were recruited, with a 62.5% retention rate (35 completers).
• A statistically significant increase in patient knowledge scores was observed after logbook implementation (Z=-4.176, P<0.001).
• The glaucoma logbook demonstrated a positive effect on patient knowledge acquisition.

Conclusions:

• The glaucoma logbook, in this format, positively impacts patient knowledge.
• Further research is needed to validate these findings in larger populations.
• Long-term studies are required to ascertain if improved knowledge correlates with better structural and functional outcomes.