Patient satisfaction with topical ocular hypotensives.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to assess patient satisfaction, convenience of use, ease of administration, side effects and treatment burden of topical ocular hypotensives.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational cohort.

PARTICIPANTS

Two thousand five hundred and forty-one patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

METHODS

The Treatment Impact Patient Satisfaction Scale (TIPSS) was administered by mail to all patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension registered with Glaucoma New Zealand during a 3-month study period. The questionnaire assessed patient demographics; topical ocular hypotensive use including number of medications, frequency of administration, ease of use, class of medication, and presence/severity of side effects; impact on quality of life; and patient satisfaction. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify determinants of patient satisfaction.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Almost 80% of respondents were either 'very satisfied' or 'satisfied' with topical ocular hypotensives. Factors that were predictive of patient satisfaction included satisfaction with frequency of eye drop use {odds ratio (OR) 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-3.1); P < 0.001}, subjective convenience (OR 2.6 [95% CI 2.0-3.4]; P < 0.001) and ease of administration (OR 2.5 [95% CI 2.0-3.3]; P < 0.001). Male gender was associated with lower satisfaction (OR 0.6 [95% CI 0.5-0.9]; P = 0.01). Factors that were not predictive of patient satisfaction included age, duration of eye drop use, class of medication and the presence of side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with glaucoma and ocular hypotension are satisfied with topical ocular hypotensives. Efforts to improve patient satisfaction should focus on convenience and ease of administration.