Digital Media Effect on Diabetic Eye Care During COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To gauge the impact of healthcare technology in the management of diabetic retinopathy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was conducted at EyeCare Consultants of New Jersey's in their two locations in NJ, Woodland Park and Edison. Eye care professionals (ECPs-two ophthalmologists, one optometrist) surveyed 400 diabetic patients during the first year of the pandemic (March 2020- February 2021). The patients all received previous instructions with CheckedUp, a patient education digital platform utilizing audiovisual and touchscreen to further educate patients, during in-office visits. The 400 diabetic patients were divided equally into two groups. To ensure the adherence of dietary and behavioral modifications related to diabetes mellitus, Group 1 received traditional phone calls while Group 2 received video calls and supplementary education with CheckedUp. Both groups had a follow-up in person in September 2021. Surveys elicited responses to gauge consistency of HbA1C management. Results: Adherence was defined as HbA1C values which remained within a target value lower than or equal to their baseline and/or <7.0% as well as compliance with medications, dietary restrictions, regular physical activity and follow-up visits. The results found a significant difference between educating the patient with a phone call versus a video call and CheckedUp. At the next follow-up visit in person Group 1 had an adherence of 48% (96 patients) and had several patients with HbA1C values exceeding the targeted value. Group 2 had an adherence of 69% (138 patients) and were more compliant with a healthier lifestyle. They also stated that their telehealth appointment with CheckedUp helped reinforce the importance of maintaining a normal HbA1C value. Conclusions: This study illustrates the ability of digital medicine platforms to supplement virtual and in-person consultations to manage diabetic retinopathy, especially during the pandemic. Compliance is an important matter in the management and preventing progression of diabetic retinopathy. Digital tools like CheckedUp assist with optimizing patient care in these unprecedented times.