Clinical Characteristics, Preventive Care and Attitude to Telemedicine among Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most frequent and one of the most severe complications of both types of diabetes. Despite the development of versatile diabetes management programs in most developed countries, many patients remain at increased risk for developing this life-limiting and life-threatening condition. This cross-sectional analysis objective was to examine and compare the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and comorbidities, as well as the clinical characteristics, prevention patterns, and attitude to telemedicine in patients with diabetes. We found that, when compared to the non-DR group, patients with DR significantly more often utilize clinical preventive services and counseling; however, there is still a significant gap in the receipt of preventative care. Moreover, in the DR subgroup, inadequate diabetic control and the presence of various signs and symptoms of diseases were observed. Although less than a fifth of all patients use mobile applications to monitor their health status, the patients indicate their willingness to use telemedical technology, particularly if it is recommended by the physician and provided without additional costs. The evolution of telemedicine offers a possibility of inexpensive, continuous monitoring of the disease that could improve treatment outcomes. Our observations emphasize DR’s perception as a complex disease in which education and continuous monitoring, particularly with telemedicine methods, are critical for further improvement in chronic care.

Follow-up Rates After Teleretinal Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy: Assessing Patient Barriers to Care

“…Teleretinal screening is a highly valuable technology that captures at-risk patients who might have otherwise never received an ophthalmic evaluation. [15][16][17][18][19] However, there is less literature on what happens to patients after they are identified as having referable disease or high-risk DR. In our study, 58.8% of patients with severe NPDR or PDR followed up with a general ophthalmologist within 3 months of their screening.…”

“…Despite the well-established benefits of diabetic telescreening, there is little information on what happens to patients after they are screened. 15–18 A recent study evaluating a mature telescreening program found that only 52.9% of patients screened eventually followed up with a retina specialist. 19…”

“…13,14 Despite the well-established benefits of diabetic telescreening, there is little information on what happens to patients after they are screened. [15][16][17][18] A recent study evaluating a mature telescreening program found that only 52.9% of patients screened eventually followed up with a retina specialist. 19 The current study sought to determine the rates of visionthreatening DR in a telescreening program and to characterize the rates of in-person follow-up after telescreening in this patient population.…”

Experience of patients with diabetic retinopathy: A qualitative study

“…Telemedicine platforms play an important role in chronic disease care and disease transition care with the development of the Internet. Strengthening the management of patients with the help of an information platform can effectively improve patients' adherence and promote a change in behaviour (Agrawal et al, 2021). In addition, as a new medical form, remote ophthalmology is beneficial to assist medical staff in disease management.…”

State-of-the-Art Research on Diabetic Retinopathy

“…Nevertheless, the recent irruption of telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and portable fundus cameras are facilitating the screening of DR and improving its capability with respect to cost-benefit. In this regard, the paper by Agrawal et al [1] showing the willingness of patients with diabetes to use telemedical technology, particularly if it is recommended by the physician and provided without additional costs, provides a great deal of value to implementing these technologies in the real world. Another important point is the prioritization of screening for DR.…”