Toward Better Health Outcomes in Rural and Under-served Areas: L. V. Prasad Eye Institute's Diagonal Model of Glaucoma Care.
Ophthalmic Epidemiol
; 26(6): 420-429, 2019 12.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31340705
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
L. V. Prasad Eye Institute has adopted horizontal approach of eye care delivery for the past 22 years at one of its rural secondary centers. The recent implementation of a diagonal model for enhancing glaucoma care at this center and its outcomes are reported.Methods:
This was a retrospective case-control study. We included newly and consecutively diagnosed adult glaucoma patients. A comprehensive ophthalmologist provided glaucoma care. During the study period, an experienced glaucoma specialist supported the care for 2 days every month in a structured format that consisted of triaging glaucoma patients for defined protocols of therapy along with hands-on and remote online guidance to the comprehensive ophthalmologist. The data from the worst or single eye were analyzed.Results:
We have included 231 patients (151 study and 80 historical controls). Sixty (75%) control patients were managed at the study center and 20 (25%) were referred. The comprehensive ophthalmologist managed 70 (48.2%) study patients and co-managed 75 (51.7%) with the glaucoma specialist. The latter changed the diagnosis in 15 eyes and altered the treatment plan in 44 eyes. Six were excluded. Successful outcome was achieved in 52 (65%) eyes in the control group and 120 (84.5%) eyes in the study group (P < .01). Additionally, study group did better in terms of case detection rate, compliance to treatment and saving on expenses for patients.Conclusion:
The new model has shown better clinical outcomes of glaucoma care in an under-served geographic area. The model has the potential for wider applicability.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Asunto principal:
Oftalmología
/
Glaucoma
/
Servicios de Salud Rural
/
Atención a la Salud
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Guideline
/
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Adult
/
Aged
/
Aged80
/
Female
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Ophthalmic Epidemiol
Asunto de la revista:
EPIDEMIOLOGIA
/
OFTALMOLOGIA
Año:
2019
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
India