title: Screening and referral patterns for glaucoma in family practice.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine whether family physicians in Louisiana were (1) aware of risk factors for glaucoma; and (2) complying with USPSTF recommendations. A brief, confidential survey was mailed to family physicians. Knowledge of glaucoma and its risk factors was assessed, as were physicians' decisions to refer high-risk patients for ophthalmologic evaluation. Questions addressed awareness of treatment guidelines and screening of glaucoma, as well as select demographic data. A total of 533 surveys were distributed. Sixty-three surveys were returned by the post office, which left a usable sample size of 470. The overall response rate was 40.22% (N = 189). Seventy percent of respondents considered diabetes and hypertension risk factors. Roughly 25% routinely screened high-risk patients for glaucoma; 75% did not. Sixty percent showed correct clinical judgment in referring patients to ophthalmologists based on history and physical examination. Sixty-five percent of respondents were unaware of any guidelines or consensus statements for the treatment of glaucoma. While most family physicians can identify risk factors for glaucoma, they do not routinely screen for patients with high-risk factors.
authors.affiliation: Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Zoorob
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Khouri
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Malpani
mesh_terms: D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male; D010821:Physicians, Family; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires