Empowering Family Glaucoma Risk Communication Using QR-Code-Mediated Online Intervention

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Digital Health

Background:

• Engaging relatives of glaucoma patients in education and screening has faced challenges.
• Effective communication of glaucoma risk to first-degree relatives (FDRs) is crucial for early detection.
• Previous interventions have shown limited success in reaching FDRs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the feasibility of an electronic intervention for direct glaucoma risk communication.
• To facilitate reliable risk communication between open-angle glaucoma patients (probands) and their FDRs.
• To assess the impact of a QR-code-based intervention on awareness, discussion, and screening appointments.

Main Methods:

• A prospective survey and assessment of a novel intervention.
• Development of a customized website and QR-code intervention with stakeholder input.
• Deployment in a clinical setting, involving smartphone-using probands messaging FDRs about glaucoma risk and screening.

Main Results:

• 90% of probands had no issues using QR-codes; 96% found the intervention helpful.
• Following the intervention, 59% of FDRs scheduled glaucoma screening appointments.
• Proband comfort in discussing health issues with FDRs significantly improved.

Conclusions:

• An innovative online method effectively communicated glaucoma risk to FDRs.
• The intervention prompted familial discussions and increased comfort levels regarding glaucoma.
• Over half of FDRs reportedly scheduled screening appointments, indicating intervention success.