Event Title
Improving Adherence to Annual Retinal Screening Among Adult Diabetics in Rural Midwest
Location
Loosemore Auditorium
Description
PURPOSE: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) affects millions of people worldwide and is a main cause of preventable blindness. Experts recommend annual retinal screenings on all diabetics. Studies show continuing trends of nonadherence and significant barriers to screenings. The purpose of this project was to increase annual retinal screening adherence among adult diabetics at a privately owned primary care practice in the rural Midwest. METHODS: 59 patients and staff were chosen through convenience sampling. Pre- and post- implementation surveys were administered to staff to assess knowledge, practice, and attitude regarding DR screening. Education and training were provided to staff to reinforce main concepts of DR and use of office-owned teleretinal imaging technology. Education was posted on the waiting room whiteboard, and educational flyers were provided to patients upon check-in. Staff reinforced education to each patient upon rooming. Retinal imaging technology was used to complete in-office exams for patients who met inclusion criteria. Uptake of retinal exams was compared to the pre-implementation office adherence retinal exam rate from the prior year. RESULTS: Statistical significance was not achieved (p = .248), however there was a proportional increase in patients who received retinal exams during implementation (pre-implementation adherence = 42%, implementation adherence = 48%). CONCLUSIONS: Staff reported an increase in knowledge and confidence in usability of teleretinal imaging technology. A clinically significant increase in adherence to retinal exams among diabetics was achieved. Knowledge gained could help to guide future similar interventions.
Improving Adherence to Annual Retinal Screening Among Adult Diabetics in Rural Midwest
Loosemore Auditorium
PURPOSE: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) affects millions of people worldwide and is a main cause of preventable blindness. Experts recommend annual retinal screenings on all diabetics. Studies show continuing trends of nonadherence and significant barriers to screenings. The purpose of this project was to increase annual retinal screening adherence among adult diabetics at a privately owned primary care practice in the rural Midwest. METHODS: 59 patients and staff were chosen through convenience sampling. Pre- and post- implementation surveys were administered to staff to assess knowledge, practice, and attitude regarding DR screening. Education and training were provided to staff to reinforce main concepts of DR and use of office-owned teleretinal imaging technology. Education was posted on the waiting room whiteboard, and educational flyers were provided to patients upon check-in. Staff reinforced education to each patient upon rooming. Retinal imaging technology was used to complete in-office exams for patients who met inclusion criteria. Uptake of retinal exams was compared to the pre-implementation office adherence retinal exam rate from the prior year. RESULTS: Statistical significance was not achieved (p = .248), however there was a proportional increase in patients who received retinal exams during implementation (pre-implementation adherence = 42%, implementation adherence = 48%). CONCLUSIONS: Staff reported an increase in knowledge and confidence in usability of teleretinal imaging technology. A clinically significant increase in adherence to retinal exams among diabetics was achieved. Knowledge gained could help to guide future similar interventions.