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The following is a summary of “Patient Experience Survey of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Macular Edema,” published in the April 2024 issue of Ophthalmology by Holekamp et al.
Understanding how patients experience their treatment can help improve their adherence and outcomes.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study assessing treatment barriers, patient-reported visual functioning, and anti-vascular age-related macular degeneration (anti-VEGF) treatment satisfaction among patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) across multiple countries.
They conducted an observational survey that gathered information from patients with DME and nAMD in the U.S., U.K., Canada, France, Italy, and Spain. The study analyzed treatment patterns, visual outcomes, and patient-reported experiences. Statistical models were used to examine relationships between adherence to treatment, missed visits, number of injections, and clinical outcomes.
The results showed 183 patients with DME and 391 patients with nAMD. Patients generally reported moderate visual functioning (25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire score: mean 74.8) and were satisfied with their treatment (Mean Macular Disease Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire=59.2; Retinopathy Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire=61.3). However, satisfaction scores were lower for patients with more treatment-related impacts(nAMD/DME), higher impact on financial burdens (nAMD), or negative effects on daily life or employment (DME). Many patients faced ≥1 barrier (66.1% DME, 49.2% patients with nAMD) related to treatment logistics (35.0%), clinic visits (32.6%), and COVID-19 (21.1%). Work absenteeism and recovery time from injections were common challenges among >60% of working patients. Nearly a quarter (24.2%) needed more than one day to recover from intravitreal injection. Most reported ≥30 minutes of travel time (73.7%) and clinical wait time (54.2%) with treatment adherence related to higher most recent visual acuity versus non-adherence (ß=8.98 letters, CI, 1.34-16.62) and lower visual acuity below driving vision (≤69 letters) (OR=0.50; CI, 0.25-1.00).
Investigators concluded that treatments with fewer injections and clinic visits could reduce the burden and enhance outcomes for patients with DME and nAMD.
Source: karger.com/ore/article/doi/10.1159/000538975/906765/Patient-Experience-Survey-Of-Anti-VEGF-Treatment