Evaluating the patient experience after implantation of a 0.4 mg sustained release dexamethasone intracanalicular insert (Dextenza™): results of a qualitative survey.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the patient experience of sustained release dexamethasone intracanalicular insert (Dextenza™) following cataract surgery as part of a Phase III clinical trial program.


METHODS
This cross-sectional, qualitative evaluation involved individual interviews lasting approximately 45 minutes. Patients from four US investigational study sites who had previously received an insert were enrolled. There were no predesignated end points; this was a qualitative survey seeking a deeper understanding of patient experience.


RESULTS
Twenty-five patients were interviewed. Most patients (92%) reported the highest level of satisfaction grade with regard to overall product satisfaction. All patients described the insert as comfortable. Most patients (96%) described their overall experience with the insert as very convenient or extremely convenient. Twenty-two of 23 (96%) participants rated their experience with the insert as "very" or "extremely convenient", compared to previous topical therapy, and 88% of patients stated that if they were to undergo cataract surgery again, they would request the insert. When asked if they would recommend the insert to family members or friends, 92% stated they would. The survey found that 84% of participants would be willing to pay more for the insert than for eye drop therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
The dexamethasone insert was found by patients to be highly favorable with regard to overall satisfaction, convenience, and comfort. The insert was well received and largely preferred over topical therapy alternatives following surgery. More extensive evaluation of the patient experience is warranted, and future studies should help inform design of the next generation of sustained release drug delivery systems.
Ophthalmology Consultants, St Louis, MO.
Joseph P
JP
Gira
Montebello Medical Center, Inc., Montebello, CA.
Reginald
R
Sampson
Silverstein Eye Centers, Kansas City, MO.
Steven M
SM
Silverstein
Texan Eye, Austin, TX.
Thomas R
TR
Walters
Ocular Therapeutix, Inc., Bedford, MA, USA.
Jamie Lynne
JL
Metzinger
Ocular Therapeutix, Inc., Bedford, MA, USA.
Jonathan H
JH
Talamo
Dextenza; cataract; corticosteroid; dexamethasone; drug delivery; sustained release