Caregiver competence in pediatric eye drop administration: An observational study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Effective eye-drop administration is crucial for managing pediatric eye conditions.
• Caregiver technique directly influences treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the proficiency of caregivers in administering eye drops to children.
• To assess the extent of education caregivers receive on proper eye-drop instillation.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional observational study involving 186 caregivers of children (≤14 years).
• Data collection through self-administered questionnaires and direct observation of eye-drop technique.

Main Results:

• Over one-third of caregivers demonstrated incompetence in eye-drop administration.
• Common errors included inadequate hand hygiene, improper bottle positioning, and failure to close the eye post-instillation.
• Caregiver experience was a protective factor, while child's age and perceived difficulty were risk factors.
• Only 27.4% of caregivers reported prior education, with video format being preferred.

Conclusions:

• Suboptimal eye-drop administration by caregivers may lead to decreased drug effectiveness and poorer treatment results.
• Targeted educational interventions, particularly video-based modules, are recommended to enhance caregiver competency and improve pediatric eye care.