Back to Search Start Over

Telemedicine Screening for Eye Disorders in Federally Qualified Health Centers: Relationship to Vision-Targeted Health-Related Quality of Life.

Authors :
Swain, Thomas A.
McGwin Jr, Gerald
Girkin, Christopher A.
Owsley, Cynthia
Source :
Telemedicine & e-Health. Jul2024, Vol. 30 Issue 7, pe2080-e2086. 7p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Introduction: Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) play a crucial role as safety-net primary health care clinics in the United States, serving medically underserved areas and populations. However, eye services are rarely offered at FQHCs. We examined how telemedicine-generated ocular diagnoses impacted vision-targeted health-related quality of life at FQHCs in rural Alabama. Methods: We focused on patients who are at risk for glaucoma. Both visual function and retinal imaging were assessed. The telemedicine vision screening protocol performed by a remote ophthalmologist evaluated eyes for glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataract, age-related macular degeneration, and a measurement of habitual visual acuity. The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire–9 (VFQ-9) was administered. Results: Using stepwise regression, the best-fitting model for predicting VFQ-9 scores incorporated visual acuity 20/40 or worse, a diabetic retinopathy diagnosis, and sociodemographic variables (gender, transportation, insurance type/status, and employment status). Conclusion: Vision-targeted, health-related quality of life in our FQHC settings was related to the visual acuity impairment and the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy but was also influenced by a variety of sociodemographic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
15305627
Volume :
30
Issue :
7
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Telemedicine & e-Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
178530904
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2023.0695