UNDERSTANDING PATIENT-REPORTED UNMET NEEDS IN DIABETIC RETINOPATHY CARE SERVICES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY
Author(s)
Asha Philip, PharmD1, Jun Zhang, PhD1, Munia Mukherjee, PhD1, Charles Wykoff, MD, PhD2;
1Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT, USA, 2Retina Consultants of Texas, Bellaire, TX, USA
1Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT, USA, 2Retina Consultants of Texas, Bellaire, TX, USA
OBJECTIVES: Despite the availability of effective screening and treatment options, numerous barriers impede accessible care for patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), negatively impacting quality of life. This cross-sectional observational study sought to identify current unmet needs in accessibility and health equality for patients living with DR in the United States.
METHODS: The electronic survey collected information on patient demographics and medical history, and evaluated five themes of interest, including treatment adherence and unmet needs. Of the 111 adults with a clinical diagnosis of DR recruited, 10 participants were excluded due to invalid survey responses. Results were analyzed descriptively.
RESULTS: A total of 101 respondents were included (58% female, 67% White, and 58% aged ≥60 years), with 73% being diagnosed over 12 months prior and 71% receiving ongoing treatment. Most reported receiving treatment or attending appointments as recommended always (59%) or most (27%) of the time. Among those who did not, treatment-related costs (36%) were the most common reason, followed by concerns about side effects (27%) and difficulty accessing treatments (18%). Reflecting on preliminary education received about DR, participants most often reported missing resources on disease progression (56%), complications/daily impacts (55%), and treatment options (52%). Respondents felt providers could have better explained the diagnosis in simpler terms (55%) and should have discussed emotional impacts and available support (54%). Preferred strategies for improved care accessibility included flexible appointments (59%), telehealth options (43%), and improved communication (41%). Key gaps identified in DR support services included insurance assistance (47%) and mental health support (46%).
CONCLUSIONS: These insights help care delivery teams better understand the patient perspective, revealing critical areas for improvement in the delivery of eye care services and resources, and highlighting the crucial need for accessible DR treatment and care options.
METHODS: The electronic survey collected information on patient demographics and medical history, and evaluated five themes of interest, including treatment adherence and unmet needs. Of the 111 adults with a clinical diagnosis of DR recruited, 10 participants were excluded due to invalid survey responses. Results were analyzed descriptively.
RESULTS: A total of 101 respondents were included (58% female, 67% White, and 58% aged ≥60 years), with 73% being diagnosed over 12 months prior and 71% receiving ongoing treatment. Most reported receiving treatment or attending appointments as recommended always (59%) or most (27%) of the time. Among those who did not, treatment-related costs (36%) were the most common reason, followed by concerns about side effects (27%) and difficulty accessing treatments (18%). Reflecting on preliminary education received about DR, participants most often reported missing resources on disease progression (56%), complications/daily impacts (55%), and treatment options (52%). Respondents felt providers could have better explained the diagnosis in simpler terms (55%) and should have discussed emotional impacts and available support (54%). Preferred strategies for improved care accessibility included flexible appointments (59%), telehealth options (43%), and improved communication (41%). Key gaps identified in DR support services included insurance assistance (47%) and mental health support (46%).
CONCLUSIONS: These insights help care delivery teams better understand the patient perspective, revealing critical areas for improvement in the delivery of eye care services and resources, and highlighting the crucial need for accessible DR treatment and care options.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-05, ISPOR 2026, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue S6
Code
PCR149
Topic
Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Adherence, Persistence, & Compliance, Patient Behavior and Incentives, Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes
Disease
SDC: Diabetes/Endocrine/Metabolic Disorders (including obesity), SDC: Sensory System Disorders (Ear, Eye, Dental, Skin)