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Abstract #73152 Published in IGR 18-4

Self-Monitoring Symptoms in Glaucoma: A Feasibility Study of a Web-Based Diary Tool

PURPOSE: Glaucoma patients annually spend only a few hours in an eye clinic but spend more than 5000 waking hours engaged in everything else. We propose that patients could self-monitor changes in visual symptoms providing valuable between clinic information; we test the hypothesis that this is feasible using a web-based diary tool. METHODS: Ten glaucoma patients with a range of visual field loss took part in an eight-week pilot study. After completing a series of baseline tests, volunteers were prompted to monitor symptoms every three days and complete a diary about their vision during daily life using a bespoke web-based diary tool. Response to an end of a study questionnaire about the usefulness of the exercise was a main outcome measure. RESULTS: Eight of the 10 patients rated the monitoring scheme to be "valuable" or "very valuable." Completion rate to items was excellent (96%). Themes from a qualitative synthesis of the diary entries related to behavioural aspects of glaucoma. One patient concluded that a constant focus on monitoring symptoms led to negative feelings. CONCLUSIONS: A web-based diary tool for monitoring self-reported glaucoma symptoms is practically feasible. The tool must be carefully designed to ensure participants are benefitting, and it is not increasing anxiety.

Division of Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London EC1V 0HB, UK.

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