ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective Digital evolution represents an opportunity for ophthalmology to adapt to new care models. This study aimed to find out how the pandemic has modified the clinical practice and training activities of the ophthalmologist specialised in ocular surface, as well as to analyse emerging trends and needs. Materials and methods This study was carried out through an online survey. A committee of 3 specialists developed a questionnaire of 25 questions structured in: 1) Participant profile;2) Impact of the pandemic on patient management and professional activities;3) Trends and needs. Results 68 clinical ophthalmologists participated. There was a high degree of agreement (90%) that the pandemic has delayed ophthalmological follow-up visits and diagnosis. The participants agreed that the frequency of patients with dry eye disease (75%), stye/chalazion (62%) and blepharitis (60%) has increased. According to 28%, remote monitoring of pathologies such as dry eye, glaucoma, diabetes, conjunctivitis, hyposphagmas, styes, etc., will be common, especially in the young population. This will be especially relevant in chronic or mild pathologies of the ocular surface, and in the follow-up of patients after cataract and diabetic retinopathy interventions. Conclusions During the pandemic, an increase in the incidence of certain ocular surface diseases has been perceived. The telematic follow-up of chronic or mild pathologies of the ocular surface entails the need to provide specific training for both the patient and the healthcare professional, in addition to screening and referral protocols that would optimise the flow of care.
ABSTRACT
Background and objective: Digital evolution represents an opportunity for ophthalmology to adapt to new care models. This study aimed to find out how the pandemic has modified the clinical practice and training activities of the ophthalmologist specialized in ocular surface, as well as to analyze emerging trends and needs. Materials and methods: This study was carried out through an online survey. A committee of 3 specialists developed a questionnaire of 25 questions structured in: 1) Participant profile; 2) Impact of the pandemic on patient management and professional activities; 3) Trends and needs. Results: Sixty-eight clinical ophthalmologists participated. There was a high degree of agreement (90%) that the pandemic has delayed ophthalmological follow-up visits and diagnosis. The participants agreed that the frequency of patients with dry eye disease (75%), stye/chalazion (62%) and blepharitis (60%) has increased. According to 28%, remote monitoring of pathologies such as dry eye, glaucoma, diabetes, conjunctivitis, hyposphagmas, styes, etc., will be common, especially in the young population. This will be especially relevant in chronic or mild pathologies of the ocular surface, and in the follow-up of patients after cataract and diabetic retinopathy interventions. Conclusions: During the pandemic, an increase in the incidence of certain ocular surface diseases has been perceived. The telematic follow-up of chronic or mild pathologies of the ocular surface entails the need to provide specific training for both the patient and the healthcare professional, in addition to screening and referral protocols that would optimize the flow of care.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Digital evolution represents an opportunity for ophthalmology to adapt to new care models. This study aimed to find out how the pandemic has modified the clinical practice and training activities of the ophthalmologist specialised in ocular surface, as well as to analyse emerging trends and needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out through an online survey. A committee of 3 specialists developed a questionnaire of 25 questions structured in: 1) Participant profile; 2) Impact of the pandemic on patient management and professional activities; 3) Trends and needs. RESULTS: 68 clinical ophthalmologists participated. There was a high degree of agreement (90%) that the pandemic has delayed ophthalmological follow-up visits and diagnosis. The participants agreed that the frequency of patients with dry eye disease (75%), stye/chalazion (62%) and blepharitis (60%) has increased. According to 28%, remote monitoring of pathologies such as dry eye, glaucoma, diabetes, conjunctivitis, hyposphagmas, styes, etc., will be common, especially in the young population. This will be especially relevant in chronic or mild pathologies of the ocular surface, and in the follow-up of patients after cataract and diabetic retinopathy interventions. CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, an increase in the incidence of certain ocular surface diseases has been perceived. The telematic follow-up of chronic or mild pathologies of the ocular surface entails the need to provide specific training for both the patient and the healthcare professional, in addition to screening and referral protocols that would optimise the flow of care.
Subject(s)
Blepharitis , COVID-19 , Diabetic Retinopathy , Glaucoma , Ophthalmology , Humans , Ophthalmology/methods , Glaucoma/diagnosisABSTRACT
Background and Aims: Starting from February 2020 it was clear that early identification of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients and their isolation was the key to block the spread of the new disease. The aim of the study is to identify strengths and weaknesses of a telemedicine program. Methods: In order to avoid the hospitalization we enrolled 543 patient on telemedicine service. Monitored patients were required to submit twice a day to the dedicated platform their oximetry, HR, RR, body temperature, systolic blood pressure and their symptoms. Every set of data generated a color coded score viewed realtime by the HPs who performed a phone call and decided to run phone tests for a new color coded score that induced to apply corrective actions: new call, home examination or emergency intervention network activation. Results: On 453 patients 87% healed and 6.4% were hospitalized, 11,79% needed oxygen therapy. The mean time spent in the telemonitoring program was 24.21 days. Malaise was the most common and persistent symptom, followed by cough, lack of appetite and myalgia. Conclusions: Telemonitoring is a safe, low budget and patientfriendly alternative to hospitalization for mild CoViD-19 patients. Relying on elementary instrumentation entrusted to fragile patients, for an effective telemonitoring program, especially during an outbreak, is essential a sound training of health professionals who can train unskilled operators. It also needs a strong collaboration with the general practitioner and the emergency division team.