Evaluating Patient Preferences When Receiving Intravitreal Injections or Laser for Retinal Disease: A Conjoint Analysis

When receiving treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) or Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), patients most value optimal vision outcomes and limited out-of-pocket costs, according to a study presented at the 37^th ASRS Annual Meeting by Davis Bhagat, BS, MA, from University Retina in Oak Forest, IL.

The researchers conducted small focus groups to discern which factors patients most valued when undergoing AMD or DME treatment. After establishing the desired variables, they surveyed 300 patients across three retina clinics using a prospective, consecutive series approach on established patients with AMD or DME who received laser or intravitreal therapy. Demographic data based on age, gender, and education level showed that 1.3% of participants were between the ages of 18-39, 21% were between the ages of 40 and 64, 44% were between the ages of 65 and 79, and 34% were 80 plus. Moreover, 54% of participants were female, 67% had only completed high school, 8% failed to complete high school, and 19% and 5% had received an undergraduate or graduate degree, respectively.  The study measures comprised the importance of treatment cost, efficacy in the context of vision gain, durability of treatment, and drug label status. The researchers analyzed the data using survey analytics software.

Upon data analysis, the findings showed that the most important treatment attribute for patients was treatment that led to good vision, demonstrating 40.4% relative importance.  The second most important attribute (23% relative importance) was a low cost of medication to the patient.  The third most important attribute was on-label status with a 21% relative importance.  The frequency of visits was less important demonstrating 12.2% relative importance, and the least important factor was the cost of treatment to the insurance provider with only a 3% relative importance.

“The most important treatment attribute appears to be superior vision outcomes with out-of-pocket costs a higher concern than cost to the system,” the study authors noted, adding that as “patient-centered care continues to grow and financial burdens shift from system to patient, this analysis highlights patient preferences that should be considered in creating individual treatment plans.”

Bhagat D. Evaluating Patient Preferences When Receiving Intravitreal Injections or Laser for Retinal Disease: A Conjoint Analysis. Presented at the 37^th ASRS Annual Meeting; July 26-30, 2019; Chicago, IL.

Read more (login required): https://meeting2019.asrs.org/posters#/posters/evaluating-patient-preferences-when-receiving-intravitreal-injections-or-la-263