Modifiable determinants of satisfaction with intravitreal treatment in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

ABSTRACT. BACKGROUND: The success of intravitreal treatment for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) depends on maximal adherence to treatment, which in turn requires patient satisfaction. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the factors associated with nAMD patient satisfaction to implement actions to improve treatment experiences and increase adherence. DESIGN This was a prospective, observational, analytical, cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS Our study included 100 consecutive nAMD patients under intravitreal treatment for at least 1 year. METHODS Patients completed the Macular Disease Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (MacTSQ) and the EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (EQ VAS). A logistic regression was estimated to model the low values of the satisfaction score (MacTSQ < 50). RESULTS The mean age of patients was 82.1 ± 7.8 years and 62% were female. Males (p = 0.002) and patients who improved their visual acuity (p = 0.004) were more satisfied, while patients who received a higher number of injections (p = 0.036) and treatment in both eyes (p = 0.001) were less satisfied. Higher health-related quality of life was related to higher satisfaction. The sensitivity and specificity of the predictive model were 75.8% and 76.1%, respectively. Factors independently associated with low satisfaction were female sex (odds ratio [OR] 6.84), going to the clinic alone (OR 8.51), longer duration of treatment (OR 0.62), receiving treatment in both eyes (OR 3.54), and suffering a decline in visual acuity (OR 3.30). The questionnaire revealed patients’ needs for more information and injection points closer to their homes. CONCLUSIONS Well-defined areas for improvement were identified, i.e. to improve the information offered to each patient, to incorporate new long-acting drugs, and to establish locations for injection services in peripheral areas.