J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2019 Feb;60(2):160-168. 10.3341/jkos.2019.60.2.160.

Eye Drop Chart for Improvement of Topical Eye Drops Administration and Adherence

• Shim KY
• Seo S
• Lee SJ
• Lee CE

• KMID: 2438075
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2019.60.2.160

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the efficacy of an eye drop chart and to determine the factors contributing to adherence enhancement using the eye drop chart.
METHODS
In this prospective study, enrolled glaucoma patients were educated on the administration of eye drops and use of the eye drop chart. They were required to complete a questionnaire on demographic characteristics and adherence. After 3 months, they completed a second questionnaire on adherence and satisfaction with the use of the eye drop chart. Changes in instillation behavior, relationships between performance scores and demographic characteristics, as well as factors contributing to the improvement of performance scores were analyzed.
RESULTS
Forty-seven patients were enrolled in this study. The performance scores were significantly better for those who administered the eye drops by themselves (p = 0.002), those with an annual income > 60 million won (p = 0.036), and patients with at least a college degree (p = 0.002). After using the eye drop chart for 3 months, the average intraocular pressure was significantly reduced (p = 0.041) and the performance score was improved (p = 0.019). The working area (p = 0.009) and eye drop applicator (p = 0.001) were correlated with performance score enhancement.
CONCLUSIONS
The eye drop chart was a cost-effective tool for improving the adherence and instillation practices of glaucoma patients. Adherence was improved among patients with more indoor activity, and those who practiced self-instillation. It is expected that the respective conditions of such patients would be more efficiently improved in a clinical setting.

Keyword

Adherence; Education; Eye drop chart; Glaucoma medication

MeSH Terms

Education
Glaucoma
Humans
Intraocular Pressure
Ophthalmic Solutions*
Prospective Studies
Ophthalmic Solutions

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Photographs of Eye- drop chart. (A) Patients can fill in the time and eye-drop name on the front page. (B) The back page provides instructions on eye-drop use with cautions. (C) Actual example of completed eye-drop chart. The drug names and administration times are written above, as shown. Eye-drop chart, when folded as instructed, also plays a role as an eye-drop container.

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