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Incorporation of a virtual assessment into a care pathway for initial glaucoma management: feasibility study
Article first published online: 13 OCT 2008
DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2008.01831.x
© 2008 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2008 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
Additional Information
How to Cite
Rathod, D., Win, T., Pickering, S. and Austin, M. (2008), Incorporation of a virtual assessment into a care pathway for initial glaucoma management: feasibility study. Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology, 36: 543–546. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2008.01831.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 13 OCT 2008
- Article first published online: 13 OCT 2008
- Received 19 February 2008; accepted 22 July 2008.
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- diagnosis;
- glaucoma;
- sensitivity and specificity;
- telemedicine;
- triage
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of a glaucoma triage assessment based on the consideration of clinical data in a virtual clinic environment.
Methods: One hundred consecutive new patients were assessed by masked observers for a possible diagnosis of glaucoma or ocular hypertension by evaluation of clinical data compiled by a technician in the absence of the patient. The virtual clinic diagnoses were compared with those made by actual examination of the patient in the outpatient clinic.
Results: A total of 22% of subjects were excluded from interobserver comparison because of atypical scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Of the 78% of subjects completing virtual and actual clinical assessments diagnostic agreement was good, weighted Kappa was of 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.85 to 0.59), sensitivity 94.4% and specificity 86.7%. No case of glaucoma was misdiagnosed as normal by virtual assessment.
Conclusion: Clinical findings and data relating to glaucoma may be evaluated in a virtual clinic with satisfactory diagnostic accuracy.