Current Challenges in DME

A recent global survey points to the current challenges faced by macular edema (DME) patients. With data gathered from 5,681 participants, including patients, healthcare providers, and clinic staff across 78 clinics in 24 countries, the survey highlighted some key barriers to effective treatment and proposed new strategies to enhance care delivery.

The multi-institutional team’s findings revealed that the management of DME is hindered by logistical, financial, and psychological barriers. Patients reported the burden of frequent appointments, long wait times, and high out-of-pocket costs as significant challenges. Comorbidities, travel difficulties, and a lack of understanding of their condition and treatment requirements are seen to compound the problem. Over half of the patients surveyed expressed concerns about being a burden to their caregivers, and 25.9 percent questioned the necessity of their treatment.

Healthcare providers noted low patient adherence, particularly within the first year of treatment, as a major obstacle for DME management. Clinical staff also echoed these concerns, and emphasized the difficulties that patients can face due to chronic conditions and logistical hurdles.

The study identified several main areas that could enhance the care of patients with DME:

1. Improved communication and education. Patients reported wanting more detailed discussions with their doctors about disease progression, treatment expectations, and the impact of therapy.
2. Reduced appointment burden. Strategies such as less frequent treatments, longer intervals between appointments, and the integration of home monitoring technologies were highly valued by both patients and providers.
3. Support for caregivers. Providing resources and information to caregivers and their employers can help to alleviate their burden and improve patient support.
4. Infrastructure enhancements. The addition of diabetes management services within ophthalmology clinics – and vice versa – could help to improve coordination and efficiency, reducing the strain on patients and healthcare systems.

The study also noted that longer-duration therapies and innovative technologies could enhance patient satisfaction and clinic capacity, and that a shift towards more holistic, patient-centered care could significantly improve the management of DME worldwide.