The current use of glaucoma virtual clinics in Europe - Kölner UniversitätsPublikationsServer

Azzopardi, Matthew ORCID: 0000-0002-8571-2503, Prokosch-Willing, Verena, Michelessi, Manuele, Fea, Antonio Maria, Oddone, Francesco ORCID: 0000-0002-2504-0004 and Mercieca, Karl . The current use of glaucoma virtual clinics in Europe. Eye. LONDON: SPRINGERNATURE. ISSN 1476-5454

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DOI:10.1038/s41433-022-02111-5

Abstract

Objectives To assess and describe current utilisation, characteristics and perspectives on virtual glaucoma clinics (VGCs) amongst European glaucoma specialists. Methods Cross-sectional, anonymized, online questionnaire distributed to all European Glaucoma Society-registered specialists. Questions were stratified into five domains: Demographics, Questions about VGC use, Questions for non-VGC users, COVID-19 effects, and VGC advantages/disadvantages. Results 30% of 169 participants currently use VGCs, with 53% based in the United Kingdom. Of those using VGCs, 85% reported higher patient acceptance compared to traditional care. The commonest virtual model was asynchronous remote monitoring (54%). Nurses (49%) and ophthalmic technicians (46%) were mostly responsible for data collection, with two-thirds using a mixture of professionals. Consultant ophthalmologists were the main decision-makers in 51% of VGCs. Preferred cohorts were: ocular hypertension (85%), glaucoma suspects (80%), early/moderate glaucoma in worse eye (68%), stable glaucoma irrespective of treatment (59%) and stable glaucoma on monotherapy (51%). Commonest investigations were: IOP (90%), BCVA (88%), visual field testing (85%) and OCT (78%), with 33 different combinations. Reasons for face-to-face referral included: visual field progression (80%), 'above-target' IOP (63%), and OCT progression (51%). Reasons for not using VGCs included: lack of experience (47%), adequate systems in place (42%), no appropriate staff (34%) and insufficient time/money (34%). 55% of non-VGC users are interested in their use with 38% currently considering future implementation. 83% stated VGC consultations have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic; 86% of all participants felt that the pandemic has highlighted the importance of VGCs. Conclusions A significant proportion of European glaucoma units are currently using VGCs, while others are considering implementation. Financial reimbursement and consensus guidelines are potentially crucial steps in VGC uptake.

Item Type:

Journal Article

Creators:

Creators	Email	ORCID	ORCID Put Code
Azzopardi, Matthew	UNSPECIFIED	orcid.org/0000-0002-8571-2503	UNSPECIFIED
Prokosch-Willing, Verena	UNSPECIFIED	UNSPECIFIED	UNSPECIFIED
Michelessi, Manuele	UNSPECIFIED	UNSPECIFIED	UNSPECIFIED
Fea, Antonio Maria	UNSPECIFIED	UNSPECIFIED	UNSPECIFIED
Oddone, Francesco	UNSPECIFIED	orcid.org/0000-0002-2504-0004	UNSPECIFIED
Mercieca, Karl	UNSPECIFIED	UNSPECIFIED	UNSPECIFIED