The purpose of this research study is to test whether a personalised care approach improves adherence compared to standard care. Many patients with macular diseases like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema need regular eye injections to protect their vision. However, some do not adhere to their treatment appointments, risking further vision loss.
You were selected as a possible participant in this research study because you have been diagnosed with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) or diabetic macula edema (DME) requiring intravitreal injection treatment (IVT).
This research study targets to recruit 200 participants from the Singapore National Eye Centre.
This study comprises two cohort groups: Cohort 1(Suboptimal CAT scores/ Randomized Control trial) and Cohort 2 (Optimal CAT scores/Observation).
If you agree to take part in this study, the research coordinator will obtain your written consent before proceeding with the study procedures. You will be required to complete CAT assessment (via remote or administered in clinic) and assigned to cohort 1 or cohort 2 based on CAT scores result. If you are assigned to cohort 1, you will be randomly allocated to either the personalized multi-disciplinary protocolized intervention (MPI) or standard care group. Randomization means assigning you to one of two groups by chance, like tossing a coin or rolling a dice.
* MPI group: You will complete a specialized computerized adaptive testing (CAT) quality of life questionnaire. Based on the domain specific scores, you will receive a medical consultation and a referral to nurse educators, optometrists, occupational therapists, or social workers. * Standard care group: If you are allocated to this group, you will receive standard care, where doctors make treatment decisions without using the CAT results.
If you are assigned to cohort 2, you will be placed under prospective observation and undergo routine clinical care.
Patients with chronic macula disease including those diagnosed with nAMD and DME, who require IVT.
This would include treatment naive patients (no IVT in either eye the last 6 months) and previously treated patients who have had IVT in either eye in the last 6 months and require further IVT treatment at the baseline study visit in either eye.
Able to provide informed consent and must consent to undergoing the MPI intervention.
Speak English or Mandarin.
Patients who are unwilling or unable to perform CAT testing.
Unable to provide informed consent.
Significant eye pathology such as cornea problems, glaucoma, or other retinal diseases that may substantially affect vision.
Do not speak English or Mandarin fluently.
Singapore Eye Research Institute
Lead sponsor
Singapore National Eye Centre
Collaborator