Glaucoma Education Intervention: Using a Trained Volunteer to Improve Patient Understanding and Compliance

The aim of this study is to assess patients’ experience and acceptability of an educational intervention run by volunteers to provide information about glaucoma, with the goal of improving patients’ understanding about glaucoma. Clinicians referred patients attending glaucoma clinics at one trust to volunteers for education about glaucoma, surgical or laser interventions and eye drop technique. Patients were subsequently contacted by telephone to complete a satisfaction survey with five responses ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. 68 patients were referred to the volunteers over a 7 month period. 27 (40%) were interviewed by telephone. All were happy with their experience of the volunteer service with 23 patients (57.5%) strongly agreeing that they were comfortable speaking to a volunteer, 18 (45%) strongly agreeing that the volunteer was able to answer their questions and explain the condition properly and 22 (55%) strongly agreeing that speaking with the volunteer was a positive experience. 17 (42.5%) strongly agreed that they had better knowledge and understanding about glaucoma and 22 (55%) strongly agreed that they understood the importance regular therapy. Of the 17 patients surveyed about eye drop technique, 14 (82.4%) strongly agreed they were more confident with their technique. Patients were comfortable and accepting of the volunteer scheme and reported better understanding of glaucoma. Using volunteers to educate patients helps clinicians and improves compliance.