Boosting Patient Engagement in the MI-SIGHT Program
By Lynda Seminara
Selected by Henry D. Jampel, MD, MHS
Journal Highlights
Ophthalmology Glaucoma, May/June 2023
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The Michigan Screening and Intervention for Glaucoma and Eye Health Through Telemedicine (MI-SIGHT) program is aimed at improving glaucoma detection rates. This approach to screening and care navigation is geared to high-risk, medically underserved communities. Elam et al. explored the effectiveness of methods to recruit MI-SIGHT participants and found that recruitment beyond the clinic increased participation significantly.
The study was conducted among the initial participants of the MI-SIGHT program, who were asked “How did you hear about the MI-SIGHT program?” Their responses were summarized (overall and per clinic) to compare clinic-based and community-based recruitment strategies. The main outcome measure was the proportion of recruits who became engaged in the clinic setting versus elsewhere.
The initial 647 patients were recruited in the first 11 months of the study; their average age was 54.4 years. Nearly 61% were female, approximately 46% were Black, and roughly 10% were Hispanic. Two clinics were involved: a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Flint and a free clinic in Ypsilanti. Responses were missing for two patients from the free clinic. Overall, 168 participants (26%) learned of the MI-SIGHT program via a phone call from either clinic. Another 112 (17%) were informed by a friend, and 100 (16%) were notified by nonmedical clinic staff. Other participants discovered the program through a doctor (n = 77 [12%]), an in-clinic brochure or flyer (n = 51 [8%]), a community flyer (n = 44 [7%]), the clinic website or social media (n = 28 [4%]), or another means (n = 65 [10%]). By extending recruitment efforts beyond the clinic, as recommended by the MI-SIGHT Community Advisory Board, program participation increased by 265% at the free clinic and 46% at the FQHC.
These findings corroborate existing evidence of community-based research being most successful when it reflects the unique needs of community members. This type of outreach boosts the potential to reach diverse and specific subgroups, which often is challenging in medical research.
The original article can be found here.