Supportive care needs of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy: A qualitative study

This study aimed to explore the multidimensional supportive care needs of patients diagnosed with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) to inform patient-centered care strategies.

A descriptive descriptive phenomenological qualitative study was conducted at a tertiary eye care centre in Shenzhen, China.. Thirteen patients with PDR participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological method.

Six core themes were identified: (1) symptom management and metabolic control; (2) functional support related to low vision; (3) informational needs (preference for audio-visual over textual materials); (4) psychological support (particularly for anxiety and depression); (5) family and social support; and (6) medical resources and financial assistance. Participants described psychological distress, social isolation, and barriers concerning treatment costs and complex reimbursement procedures.

Patients with PDR experience multidimensional unmet needs that extend beyond clinical preservation of vision. The findings suggest that a holistic, multidisciplinary care model integrating mental health support and social services may help address these needs; however, as this study did not evaluate any intervention, such strategies should be regarded as potential directions requiring further research and evaluation.

These findings suggest potential strategies that require further research and evaluation, including screening PDR patients for anxiety, depression, and financial hardship with tailored referral to mental health professionals and social workers; developing audio-visual education materials for patients with low vision; simplifying reimbursement processes; and establishing multidisciplinary teams-including diabetes educators, low-vision rehabilitation specialists, and psychologists-to address the full spectrum of supportive care needs.