Publication: Evaluation on knowledge and practice of target intraocular pressure in the management of glaucoma patients among ophthalmologists and medical officers
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Date
2022
Authors
Jin, Diana Toh Shi
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Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of intraocular pressure (IOP) target use among ophthalmologists and medical officers in Malaysia based on the Malaysian Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of glaucoma patients. Methodology A two-phase study was conducted from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021 among 279 subjects (139 ophthalmologists and 140 medical officers) working in ophthalmology clinics/hospitals in Malaysia. The first phase consisted of the development and validation of a questionnaire to assess knowledge and practice of IOP target use. This questionnaire was then used in the second phase. The second phase involved a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire. The mean total scores of knowledge and practice of IOP target use were compared between ophthalmologists and medical officers using a t-test. Results A total of 323 ophthalmologists and medical officers were invited to participate, but only 279 (139 ophthalmologists and 140 medical officers) subjects responded to the questionnaire (86.4%). The mean experience in ophthalmology services was 7.42 (5.51) years. A total of 225 respondents (80.6%) used the use of IOP targets. There was a significant difference in the practice of using IOP targets between ophthalmologists (125, 89.9%) and medical officers (100, 71.4%) (p<0.001). The mean total knowledge score among the specialists (21.03 [95% CI: 20.52, 21.54]) was significantly better than that of medical officers (20.24 [95% CI: 19.78, 20.69]) p=0.022. There was a significant association between the average score of knowledge and practice in setting IOP targets (p=0.002). There was no significant association between the number of glaucoma patients treated with IOP knowledge (p=0.376) and practice (0.083) of using IOP targets. Lack of understanding (27.8%) and confusion in choosing the IOP target setting method (35.2%) were the main reasons for those who did not practice IOP target setting. The most popular IOP setting method was the percentage of IOP reduction from the original IOP. Conclusion There are differences in knowledge and practice of using IOP targets among ophthalmologists and medical officers in Malaysia. Intervention programs should be designed to improve the understanding and practice of IOP target setting in Malaysia
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Keywords
glaucoma , clinical practice guidelines