Real-life patient journey in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a narrative medicine analysis in the Italian setting.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To investigate the real-life experience of patients affected by neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), in the healthcare pathway for the management of the disease, using a "patient journey" and narrative method approach.

Methods

The patient journey of subjects affected by nAMD was designed using a process-mapping methodology involving a team from 11 Italian centres. Subsequently, narratives were collected from nAMD patients and family members. The interviews were analyzed using the narrative medicine methodology.

Results

Eleven specialized retina centres across Italy were involved and 205 narratives collected. In 29% of cases, patients underestimated their symptoms or attributed them to non-pathological causes, thus delaying the specialist con

SUBMITTER: Midena E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8727581 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature