Remote follow-up after cataract surgery (CORE-RCT): study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BMC Ophthalmology

Study Protocol

Janneau L. J. Claessens¹  Saskia M. Imhof¹  Robert P. L. Wisse¹  Noël J. C. Bauer²  Joukje C. Wanten²  Rudy M. M. A. Nuijts²  Oliver Findl³  Josef Huemer⁴ 

[1] Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Postbus 85500, Huispostnummer E03.136, 3508 GA, Utrecht, the Netherlands;University Eye Clinic Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands;Vienna Institute for Research in Ocular Surgery, a Karl Landsteiner Institute, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria;Vienna Institute for Research in Ocular Surgery, a Karl Landsteiner Institute, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria;Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK;

关键词: Cataract;    E-health;    Telemedicine;    Remote care;    Eye care;    Easee;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12886-023-02779-7

 received in 2022-10-12, accepted in 2023-01-10,  发布年份 2023

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundCataract surgery has become one of the most performed surgical procedures worldwide. Postoperative management consists of routine clinical examinations to assess post-operative visual function and detect possible adverse events. Due to the low incidence of complications, the majority of clinic visits after cataract surgery are uneventful. Nonetheless, valuable time and hospital resources are consumed. We hypothesize that remote post-operative follow-up involving teleconsultations and self-assessments of visual function and health status, could be a valid alternative to face-to-face clinical examinations in selected patient groups. The practice of remote follow-up after cataract surgery has not yet been evaluated. The aim of this study is to investigate the validity, safety and cost-effectiveness of remote cataract surgery follow-up, and to report on the patients’ experiences with remotely self-assessing visual function.MethodsThis study is a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Patients planned for cataract surgery on both eyes, without ocular comorbidities, are eligible for participation. Participants will be allocated (1:1) into one of the two study groups: ‘telemonitoring’ or ‘usual care’. Participants in the ‘telemonitoring’ group will perform in-home assessments after cataract surgery (remote web-based eye exams and digital questionnaires on their own devices). Participants in the ‘usual care’ group will have regular post-operative consultations, according to the study site’s regular practice. Outcome measures include accuracy of the web-based eye exam for assessing visual acuity and refraction, patient-reported outcome measures (visual function and quality of life), adverse events, and cost aspects.DiscussionInvestigating remote follow-up after cataract surgery fits the current trends of digitization of health care. We believe that remote self-care can be a promising avenue to comply with the increasing demands of cataract care. This randomized controlled trial provides scientific evidence on this unmet need and delivers the desired insights on (cost)effectiveness of remote follow-up after cataract surgery.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04809402. Date of registration: March 22, 2021.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s) 2023

【 图 表 】

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