BARRIERS TO MANAGEMENT OF DIABETIC EYE DISEASES IN TURKEY- DR BAROMETER SURVEY
Author(s)
Beykoz V1, Kahveci B1, Saylan M2, Eldem B3
1Bayer Turk Kimya San. Ltd. Sti., Istanbul, Turkey, 2Bayer AG Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey, 3Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
OBJECTIVES: The Diabetic Retinopathy(DR) aims to assess the awareness of, and access and barriers to diabetes management, including screening for Diabetic Eye Diseases(DED). METHODS: DR Barometer Study was implemented in 41 countries. 426 adult with diabetes and 175 health care professionals (14 diabetes specialists, 46 ophthalmologists, 64 primary care providers, 51 others) were surveyed in Turkey. The patient survey consisted of 46 questions divided into four sections covering awareness and knowledge, current care for diabetes and eye complications, screening and treatment of DR and Diabetic Macular Edema, and quality of life. The provider survey comprised 43 questions covering characteristics of the practice. RESULTS: Patients and providers who participated in the study were self-selected . Most of patients(45%) were aged between 18 and 39 years. 42% of respondents were in paid employment. 47% of respondents reported that they had no complications of diabetes. Of those who did have complications reported vision loss(23%), neuropathy(19%), kidney disease(13%), cardiovascular disease or stroke(13%), and foot ulcers(3.1%). 82% of these respondents reported issues in their daily activities: difficulty in driving(36%), working or keeping a job(33%), social interactions(31%). Providers reported the biggest barrier to eye exams as long waiting time for an appointment(34%). Waiting time for ophthalmologist exam was usually less than one week in 53% of practices. Barriers that were related to the healthcare system were primarily focused on the limited access to diabetes specialists(34%) or the cost, and proximity of care(27%). Ophthalmologists reported that the greatest challenges for improving patient outcomes in DED were late diagnosis(86%), ineffective screening services(54%), and limited access to patient education on DR and DME(43%). CONCLUSIONS: Even in this engaged study population, there are many remaining barriers for care. Knowing that diabetes-related vision loss is now preventable, addressing barriers to eye screening is an important policy issue and potential calls for action are needed.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2017-11, ISPOR Europe 2017, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Vol. 20, No. 9 (October 2017)
Code
PSS46
Topic
Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Treatment Patterns and Guidelines
Disease
Sensory System Disorders