Experiences of Patients With Diabetes Attending a Publicly Funded Eye Care Pathway in Western Sydney: A Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACT: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) complications can be prevented with regular screening and timely access to an ophthalmologist for treatment. But there are patient and health system barriers that can impact access to DR services. This study aims to identify enablers and barriers for accessing public DR eye care services in a low socio-economic urban area of Australia. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews for patients with diabetes aged 35 years and older attending public ophthalmology services. Interviews were analyzed to identify themes and subthemes; and the COM-B framework was used to interpret the complex behavioral mechanisms, including capability, opportunity, and motivation factors, to explain adherence to DR eye care. Three main themes and 7 sub-themes relatin

SUBMITTER: Ford BK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8532212 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature