Implementation of pharmaceutical interviews with patients treated with autologous serum eye drops

Autologous serum eye drops are sterile compounded hospital preparations indicated for severe dry eye syndrome and require a complex manufacturing and dispensing process. This organisational complexity may expose patients to misuse and treatment interruption. Although pharmaceutical interviews have demonstrated benefits in chronic diseases, their implementation in patients treated with autologous serum eye drops has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of personalised pharmaceutical interviews in this setting.

A multidisciplinary collaboration between the hospital pharmacy and the ophthalmology department was established in a university hospital to structure the care pathway and implement pharmaceutical interviews. Organisational difficulties and gaps in patient knowledge were identified through meetings and preliminary assessments. Five tools were developed to support interviews and improve patient understanding. Patients treated with autologous serum eye drops were offered interviews between February and June 2024. Knowledge acquisition and patient satisfaction were assessed.

Among 30 patients, 24 participated (mean age 64 years). The mean overall knowledge score was 74%, with higher scores for treatment knowledge (84%) than for contraindications and risks (60%).

Pharmaceutical interviews are feasible and well accepted in this population. They improve patient knowledge, support adherence to a complex care pathway and may reduce treatment interruptions. The tools developed could be implemented in other hospitals to improve safety and continuity of care.