Patient priorities in herpes simplex keratitis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Patient-Centered Research

Background:

• Herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) is a major cause of infectious corneal blindness.
• Patient involvement in research agendas is vital for maximizing benefit and minimizing waste.
• Patient priorities for HSK research remain largely undefined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and identify patient priorities for herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) research.
• To understand patient perspectives on HSK management and research needs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review identified nine research domains.
• Patient questionnaires ranked research domains by priority.
• Weighted-average scoring and thematic analysis of narrative data were performed.

Main Results:

• Thirty-seven patients participated in the survey.
• Top patient priorities: HSK recurrence risk factors, diagnostic tests, and treatment failure.
• Key clinical needs: long-term symptom control, rapid acute infection care, and accessible information.

Conclusions:

• A potential misalignment exists between current HSK research efforts and patient priorities.
• Accessible, high-quality patient information is lacking, potentially hindering informed decision-making.
• Clinical service priorities are as important as research priorities for patients; both require parallel attention.