title: Success of patient training in improving proficiency of eyedrop administration among various ophthalmic patient populations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to evaluate the success and usefulness of patient education in eyedrop self-administration technique via an educational handout and a short instructional video.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a prospective study that included 34 patients who were self-administering ophthalmic drops. Of the total patients included, 12% had used drops for <12 months, and 88% had used drops for >12 months. Average age of patients in the study was 67 years, with an age range of 19-91 years. Of the total patients included, 82% had glaucoma, 6% had dry eyes, and 12% did not have a specific diagnosis. Subjects were video recorded and assessed by a trained observer on two occasions: at baseline and after they viewed a demonstrational video and handout. A maximum score of 15 points was awarded based on 15 criteria. A written self-assessment was administered at the end of each study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pre- and post-teaching assessment scores improved significantly with education. Patients initially scored an average 2.53 points compared to a post-education score of 6.15 out of 15 points, demonstrating a 2.43 (P=0.008) factor of improvement. After education, 94% of patients versus 47% pre-teaching (P=0.0001) pulled down their lower eyelids. A total of 91% pre-teaching versus 59% post-teaching (P=0.0042) patients squeezed one drop into the lower fornix, 74% pre-teaching versus 26% post-teaching (P=0.0002) patients released the eyelid and closed the eye for 1 minute, and 56% pre-teaching versus 3% post-teaching (P=0.0001) patients applied nasal digital pressure on each eye. We found no significant difference in score changes between those who previously received education and those who had not (P=0.37). A total of 91% patients responded in a postassessment survey that they now feel more confident of their ability to self-administer eyedrops as their doctor prescribed and that the educational materials were responsible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participants demonstrated an immediate and statistically significant improvement in several areas of proper eyedrop self-administration after exposure to a demonstration video and instructional handout.
authors: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Feng
authors: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors: John
authors: J
authors: O'Neill
authors: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors: Mitchell
authors: M
authors: Holt
authors: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Georgiadis
authors: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors: Martha M
authors: MM
authors: Wright
authors: Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors: Sandra R
authors: SR
authors: Montezuma
keywords: compliance; eye care; patient education; patient satisfaction; safety