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iSCREEN-study: Online Nurse-assisted Eye-screening in Home Healthcare

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Eye Diseases
Interventions
Device: Eye screening
Registration Number
NCT06058637
Lead Sponsor
Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc
Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to investigate the cost-effectiveness of a nurse-assisted online eye-screening in home healthcare in reducing eye complaints.

Detailed Description

Background:

In the Netherlands, the prevalence of blindness and low vision is highest among the elderly in care institutions and in home healthcare (20-25%). A recent cross-sectional pilot study with one of the largest home healthcare organizations in the Netherlands (i.e. 'Buurtzorg Nederland') showed that simple eye-screening by community nurses helps to detect eye complaints among elderly people living independently. Of all patients who were referred to a general practitioner (GP), optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist based on this screening (20% of the total group), it was found that almost half had severe visual impairment, whereas others had eye complaints that had affected acuity to a smaller extent. In most cases, eye complaints could be treated with spectacles or cataract surgery, but also untreatable eye diseases were found. These complaints may not have been detected without eye-screening and treatment would not have been offered. Often, the elderly themselves or family/friends or care providers, do not recognize that their eyesight has decreased. However, this can negatively affect their quality of life and health status. To increase access to eye care the investigators will perform a study using an online eye screening, which can be performed by the community nurses or possibly the participants themselves in their home environment.

Purpose:

The aim of this study is to investigate the cost-effectiveness of a nurse-assisted online eye-screening in home healthcare in reducing eye complaints.

Method:

The investigators will perform a cluster-RCT to compare online eye-screening guided by community nurses in addition to care as usual to a control condition, receiving only care as usual. It will be performed in collaboration with several home healthcare organizations. Measurements in both groups will take place at baseline, after 6 months and 12 months. This will include visual acuity measurements, questionnaires and an optometric examination.

This study will be conducted among 240 participants. Elderly clients, 65+, who receive home healthcare will be invited to participate. Clients who have a serious health condition, clients who are cognitively unable to participate, or clients who had received an optometric consultation within the last 6 months, will be excluded.

The eye-screening is developed by Easee and is CE marked. During the test, the visual acuity will be measured both near and at distance, and the Amsler grid test will be performed. The results of the eye-screening will be checked by an optometrist, and will be made available to the participant. This will be done by letter including a recommendation for a referral, if necessary.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
240
Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Eye screening on top of careEye screening-
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Colenbrander-1M visual acuity12 months

Incidence in clinically relevant change of 2 lines or more on the Colenbrander-1M visual acuity chart

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Colenbrander-1M visual acuity change in participants with baseline visual impairment12 months

Number of participants with baseline visual impairment and clinically relevant change of 2 lines or more on the Colenbrander-1M visual acuity

Vision related quality of life with the EyeQ questionnaire12 months

EyeQ questionnaire with 46 items. The items can be scored from "never" to always". EyeQ scores are expressed on a theta logit-scale from -4 (highest vision related quality of life) to +4 (lowest vision related quality of life).

Amsler grid chart12 months

The Amsler grid is a simple square containing a grid pattern and a dot in the middle. It is used to detect symptoms of macular degeneration. The chart is held at a distance of 30 cm. Single eye test will be done. A participant is asked to look at the central dot of the Amsler grid chart. In normal cases, the lines of the chart will be seen straight and parallel. 4 questions will be used to notice abnormalities such as distortion of lines, broken lines, missing lines and wavy lines.

Colenbrander-1M visual acuity change12 months

Average visual acuity change per eye in letters

Fall and fracture calendar12 months

Falling accidents and bone fractures will be assessed with a shortened version of the 'fall and fracture calendar'. A questionnaire with 6 questions on the number of falls and fractures during the last 6 months.

Wellbeing with the ICEpop CAPability questionnaire12 months

ICECAP-O: it measures five capability dimensions: attachment, security, role, enjoyment, and control. With one question per dimension. Each dimension can be scored on four levels. An overall score can range from 0 to 1, with higher scores indicating better capability.

Optometric status12 months

Optometric status assessed by slitlamp/fundusfotography

Depressive symptomatology measured with the PHQ-9 questionnaire12 months

9 questions corresponding to the Diagnostic Statistical Manual symptoms for major depressive disorder during the past 2 weeks. The PHQ-9 score can range from 0 to 27, since each of the 9 items can be scored from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day).

Health related quality of life with the EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level questionnaire12 months

EQ-5D-5L: covers the dimensions mobility, self-care, daily activities, pain and discomfort, and anxiety and depression. It contains a five response level: "no problems" to "not able to". Scores will be converted to a single utility index score using the value set of the Netherlands to obtain scores on a formative scale from 0 (lowest quality of life) to 1 (highest quality of life). The visual analog scale (VAS) is included for marking overall health today.

Health literacy with the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire12 months

HLS-EU-Q: 16 items, they can be scored from "very easy" to "very difficult". Scoring varies between 0 and 16. Higher scores meaning more difficulty.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Amsterdam UMC

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Amsterdam, Netherlands

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