Italian Patient Satisfaction with wAMD Management: SWAN Study Results

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) management requires ongoing patient engagement.
• Limited data exists on treatment satisfaction for wAMD patients in Italy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess treatment satisfaction with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies in Italian patients with wAMD.
• To identify specific areas of satisfaction and dissatisfaction in wAMD management.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, real-world survey study was conducted.
• 154 wAMD patients receiving anti-VEGFs in Italy completed a virtual assistant phone survey.
• Treatment satisfaction was measured using the Novartis Tailored Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (NVS TTSQ) and Macular Disease Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (MacTSQ).

Main Results:

• Overall treatment satisfaction scores were 40.50 (NVS TTSQ) and 55.84 (MacTSQ).
• Patients reported high satisfaction with diagnosis communication, treatment administration, and center management.
• Dissatisfaction was noted regarding independence in disease management and a desire for more information on prognosis and peer discussion.

Conclusions:

• Italian patients with wAMD express general satisfaction with their current anti-VEGF treatment and overall disease management.
• There is a clear need to enhance patient education regarding disease prognosis and to facilitate discussions with experienced patients.