SEARCHOTHERophthalmology, retina

other·ophthalmology, retina, endocrinology, public health, family medicine·PMC10399890

Patient, family member, and health care provider perspective on barriers and facilitators to diabetic retinopathy screening in Thailand: A qualitative study

PLOS ONE · 15 authors, 4 centres

AI SUMMARY

FIDELITY 100%

This summary was generated by AI from a single paper. It has not been reviewed by a clinician and is not clinical advice. Verify against the source before acting on it.

AGENT 01 · STRUCTURED SUMMARY

TRACE TO SOURCE

“

TL;DR

This qualitative study used focus groups with diabetic patients, family members, and healthcare providers in Thailand to identify key barriers to diabetic retinopathy screening, including low patient knowledge, long waiting times, financial issues, and lack of accompaniment, while emphasizing the vital role of family and non-physician clinicians in encouraging attendance.

Full summary

902 CHARS

A qualitative study using 15 focus group discussions was conducted with 47 diabetic patients, 41 family members, and 34 healthcare providers across five clinics in Thailand. Thematic analysis revealed that low knowledge and awareness about diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in both patients and family members are significant barriers. Major deterrents for screening attendance included long waiting times, financial problems, and the absence of someone to accompany patients. Family support was found to be variable. Despite insurance coverage, some patients did not attend appointments. The study concludes that educating patients about the asymptomatic nature of diabetes and DR, along with involving family members and non-physician clinicians, is crucial for improving screening uptake. Limitations include potential selection bias toward female participants and limited regional generalizability.

STUDY TYPE

other

SPECIALTY

ophthalmology

SUMMARISED BY

AI pipeline

FIDELITY CHECK

100% · A

ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10399890

Patient, family member, and health care provider perspective on barriers and facilitators to diabetic retinopathy screening in Thailand: A qualitative study

PLOS ONE

READ THE FULL PAPER

ABSTRACT

Abstract Objectives Diabetic retinopathy (DR) can cause significant visual impairment which can be largely avoided by early detection through proper screening and treatment. People with DR face a number of challenges from early detection to treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate factors that influence DR screening in Thailand and to identify barriers to follow-up compliance from patient, family member, and health care provider (HCP) perspectives. Methods A total of 15 focus group discussions (FGDs) were held, each with five to twelve participants. There were three distinct stakeholders: diabetic patients (n = 47) presenting to a diabetic retinopathy clinic in Thailand, their family members (n = 41), and health care providers (n = 34). All focus group conversations were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to examine textual material. Results Different themes emerged from the FGD on knowledge about diabetes, self-care behaviors of diabetes mellitus (DM), awareness about DR, barriers to DR screening, and the suggested solutions to address those barriers. Data showed lower knowledge and awareness about diabetes and DR in both patients and family members. Long waiting times, financial issues, and lack of a person to accompany appointments were identified as the major deterrents for attending DR screening. Family support for patients was found to vary widely, with some patients reporting to have received adequate support while others reported having received minimal support. Even though insurance covered the cost of attending diabetes/DR screening program, some patients did not show up for their appointments. Conclusion Patients need to be well-informed about the asymptomatic nature of diabetes and DR. Communication at the patient level and shared decision-making with HCPs are essential. Family members and non-physician clinicians (such as diabetes nurses, diabetes educators, physician assistants) who work in the field of diabetes play a vital role in encouraging patients to attend diabetes and DR follow-ups visits regularly.

CITATION EXPORT

Geetha Kumar, Saranya Velu, Shahina Pardhan et al.. Patient, family member, and health care provider perspective on barriers and facilitators to diabetic retinopathy screening in Thailand: A qualitative study. PLOS ONE. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0289618

AUTHORS

15 · 4 CENTRES

Geetha Kumar, Saranya Velu, Shahina Pardhan, Raju Sapkota, Paisan Ruamviboonsuk, Mongkol Tadarati, Peranut Chotcomwongse, Variya Nganthavee, Warisara Pattanapongpaiboon, Rajiv Raman, Chulaporn Limwattananon, Pracheth Raghuveer, Pracheth Raghuveer, Pracheth Raghuveer, Pracheth Raghuveer

1Shri Bhagwan Mahavir Vitreoretinal Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
2Vision and Eye Research Institute, School of Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
3Department of Ophthalmology, Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
4Kasturba Medical College Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, INDIA