Patient education in pediatric ophthalmology: a systematic review

Patient and caregiver education may have the potential to improve understanding, adherence, and disease outcomes in pediatric ophthalmology. Research suggests that common clinical practices may result in suboptimal patient understanding. We summarize the current literature on patient education interventions in pediatric ophthalmology.

A predefined search strategy was used to systematically review the PubMed database. Peer-reviewed published studies that utilized a specific educational intervention regarding any condition in pediatric ophthalmology and measured its impact were included.

Our search method yielded 453 studies; 30 passed title and abstract screening, and 14 were included in the final analysis. Of the 14 studies, 9 were randomized controlled trials. Eight studies relied solely on printed information, 2 were computer-based, 1 was an animated video, and 3 were multifactorial. Outcome measures included adherence (6/14), caregiver knowledge (6/14), psychological impact (4/14), visual outcome (2/14), and clinic attendance (1/14).

The educational interventions varied widely in methodology, content, and focus of intervention; nonetheless, they were widely successful across outcome measures. A number of studies featured highly time- and cost-effective interventions that resulted in increased knowledge, decreased anxiety, enhanced adherence, and improved visual outcomes. Educational efforts may be especially beneficial among non-native language speakers, particularly via image-based means of communication.