The aim of this article was to use multiple data sources to identify factors affecting patient adherence to topical ocular hypotensive therapy. The participants in the survey were three hundred patients with a new diagnosis of open-angle glaucoma who were initially prescribed one of three prostaglandins and 103 doctors. With patients A structured interview was conducted regarding self-reported adherence, experiences with medication, communication with the doctor and health beliefs related to adherence. Telephone interviews were conducted with participating ophthalmologists. The results of the study indicate that doctor-patient communication and patients' health beliefs contribute to medication adherence. Patients' learning styles, which are associated with less concern about the future effects of glaucoma and the risks associated with not taking medication, are associated with lower adherence to recommendations. In particular, knowledge of the potential loss of vision due to glaucoma is a critical component that tends to be overlooked by more passive doctor-dependent patients, who tend to have poor adherence. These findings suggest that educational efforts in the office can improve patient adherence to treatment.
Doctor-patient communication, health-related beliefs, and adherence in glaucoma results from the Glaucoma Adherence and Persistency Study
16 December 2022