Evaluating the Impact of Patient Navigator Support on Vision-Related Quality of Life and Mental Health in a Community Retina Clinic

Hasan Ghafoor, University of Windsor Faculty of Science, Windsor, ON, Canada
Mehtaab Dhillon, University of Windsor Faculty of Science, Windsor, ON, Canada
Omer Elkidhir, University of Windsor Faculty of Science, Windsor, ON, Canada
Alishba Malik, University of Windsor Faculty of Science, Windsor, ON, Canada
Sami Tayfour, Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, ON, Canada
Vivian Rajeswaren, Kresge Eye Institute, Detroit, MI, United States
Deepa Yoganathan, Kresge Eye Institute, Detroit, MI, United States

Description

Untreated comorbidities and socio-clinical factors accompanying retinal disorders significantly impact patient quality of life and mental health, representing a major health disparity. This study aims to address this unmet need by integrating a patient navigator program into a community retina clinic. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of patient navigator support in improving vision-related quality of life and mental health outcomes. The secondary objective includes developing a multidisciplinary resource framework to address barriers to care for retinal patients. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants to identify barriers to accessing eye care and to inform targeted interventions. Subsequently, baseline measures were collected via VFQ-25, IVI, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 questionnaires. Following a three-month intervention period, surveys were re-administered to evaluate changes in vision-related quality of life, mental health, and overall satisfaction. Five retinal patients with visual impairments participated in a 60-minute preliminary interview to reveal the following common themes related to unmet health needs: 1) lack of PCP support, 2) transportation difficulties, 3) management of comorbidities, 4) low health literacy, and 5) emotional distress. 363 participants completed preliminary surveys: 43 reported difficulty accessing their PCP, 36 expressed transportation difficulties; 129 were diabetic, 37 had difficulty with disease management, 52 reported difficulty with health literacy, and 89 expressed eye-related anxiety. Preliminary findings demonstrate significant barriers to care among retinal patients, indicating a need for tailored interventions. This study indicates that a patient navigator program can address these obstacles by improving patient education and facilitating access to healthcare resources.

 
Mar 22nd, 11:00 AM Mar 22nd, 5:30 PM

Evaluating the Impact of Patient Navigator Support on Vision-Related Quality of Life and Mental Health in a Community Retina Clinic

Untreated comorbidities and socio-clinical factors accompanying retinal disorders significantly impact patient quality of life and mental health, representing a major health disparity. This study aims to address this unmet need by integrating a patient navigator program into a community retina clinic. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of patient navigator support in improving vision-related quality of life and mental health outcomes. The secondary objective includes developing a multidisciplinary resource framework to address barriers to care for retinal patients. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants to identify barriers to accessing eye care and to inform targeted interventions. Subsequently, baseline measures were collected via VFQ-25, IVI, GAD-7, and PHQ-9 questionnaires. Following a three-month intervention period, surveys were re-administered to evaluate changes in vision-related quality of life, mental health, and overall satisfaction. Five retinal patients with visual impairments participated in a 60-minute preliminary interview to reveal the following common themes related to unmet health needs: 1) lack of PCP support, 2) transportation difficulties, 3) management of comorbidities, 4) low health literacy, and 5) emotional distress. 363 participants completed preliminary surveys: 43 reported difficulty accessing their PCP, 36 expressed transportation difficulties; 129 were diabetic, 37 had difficulty with disease management, 52 reported difficulty with health literacy, and 89 expressed eye-related anxiety. Preliminary findings demonstrate significant barriers to care among retinal patients, indicating a need for tailored interventions. This study indicates that a patient navigator program can address these obstacles by improving patient education and facilitating access to healthcare resources.

https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/we-spark-conference/2025/postersessions/22