scholarly journals Barriers to integrating routine depression screening into community low vision rehabilitation services: a mixed methods study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Nollett ◽  
Rebecca Bartlett ◽  
Ryan Man ◽  
Timothy Pickles ◽  
Barbara Ryan ◽  
...  
2019 ◽  
Vol 82 (8) ◽  
pp. 466-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Kaldenberg

Introduction The aim of this study is to describe the barriers and facilitators to accessing low vision rehabilitation services in Massachusetts, USA, and determine differences between communities with and without existing low vision rehabilitation services for older adults with visual impairment. Method A sample of older adults with visual impairment ( n = 64) from both communities participated in the study. Barriers and facilitators to accessing the services were explored through focus groups and prioritized during one-on-one interviews, which allowed for comparison between communities. Results Twelve themes were identified: (a) bureaucracy and funding (public policy); (b) public awareness and stigma (community); (c) services available, knowledge of providers, care coordination, transportation (organizational); (d) people and lack of awareness of family/friends (interpersonal); and (e) income, health status, knowledge, self-advocacy, and time (individual). Conclusion This study provides insights into the perceived barriers and facilitators of accessing low vision rehabilitation services for older adults with vision impairment living in Massachusetts, USA. Key findings indicate the need for improved awareness of these services at the provider and consumer level, coordinated care, increased education on the efficacy of occupational therapy low vision rehabilitation services, client-centered care provided when the client is ready to accept services, and service provision that addresses sociodemographic factors.


1970 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
I Kansakar ◽  
HB Thapa ◽  
KC Salma ◽  
S Ganguly ◽  
RP Kandel ◽  
...  

Background: The present study is first of its kind to evaluate causes of visual impairment of blind students in Nepal and assess their need for low vision rehabilitation services. Aim: To evaluate causes of vision impairment of students enrolled in blind schools in Nepal and assess the need for low vision rehabilitation services in these students. Materials and methods: A survey was conducted in 12 blind schools in Nepal, which were registered with Nepal Association for Welfare of Blindness (NAWB).It was conducted by a team of an ophthalmologist and an optometrist, by using standard eye examination protocols of the World Health Organization Prevention of Blindness Program (WHO/ PBL). Results: Of the 345 students enrolled in 12 schools, 285 students were examined (response rate of 82.61%). The students were in the 5 - 29 years age group. Nearly three-fourth of the children had become blind within one year of age and 52.3% visually impaired at birth and 20.7% developed vision impairment within one year of age. After refraction, 26 students (9.12%) had mild visual impairment, 21 students (7.37%) had severe visual impairment and 238 students (83.51%) were blind. The main cause of vision impairment was found to be corneal 35.79% and retina diseases, mainly dystrophy, 20.35% followed by problems with the whole globe, lens and optic nerve, accounting for 13.33%, 12.63% and 12.98% respectively. The major etiological factors were those of childhood such as Vitamin A deficiency, measles and similar causes (42.11%) followed by hereditary causes (25.26%). Of the total students examined, 48.07% were visually impaired due to preventable causes and 16.14% treatable aggregating to 64.21% of avoidable blindness. Fifty seven (28.22%) students could read smaller than 2 M print size after low vision assessment for near and 33(15.78%) students benefited with telescopic trial for distance low vision. Conclusion: In Nepal, renewed focus on providing best possible quality of life for visually impaired children by proper low vision assessment and eye health education focusing on, general public and community health workers, with governmental and institutional support is required to achieve Vision 2020 objectives to decrease childhood blindness. Key words: childhood blindness, Nepal, blind school study, low vision, vision impairment    doi: 10.3126/kumj.v7i1.1764       Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2009), Vol. 7, No. 1, Issue 25, 44-49        


2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 367
Author(s):  
Gwyneth Rees ◽  
Edith E Holloway

Rationale: Depression is commonly co-morbid with vision impairment yet often remains undetected and therefore untreated. This study aimed to use a theoretical framework of behaviour change to identify issues surrounding the implementation of depression screening in a low vision rehabilitation service in Australia. Evidence-based strategies to address barriers are highlighted.Method: Twenty-two low vision rehabilitation staff, who had undergone training in using a depression screening tool, took part in semi-structured interviews covering 11 theoretical domains of behaviour change. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Two researchers independently coded the transcripts from each interview and assigned a score to determine whether the transcript showed evidence of poor, partial, or good implementation within each domain.Results: Major barriers to depression screening included lack of time, face-to-face contact with clients and private workspace. Limited referral options and concerns about the efficacy of referrals to primary care services were highlighted. Negative emotions anticipated during depression screening (e.g., feeling awkward, uncomfortable or nervous) and concerns that depression screening would have a detrimental impact on the client and client relationship were also barriers to depression screening in practice.Conclusions: Enhancing knowledge and skill around depression screening is not sufficient to create change. Practical-based training needs to be combined with the development of strong referral pathways to ensure implementation success. 


2008 ◽  
Vol 92 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-255 ◽  
Author(s):  
P M O'Connor ◽  
E L Lamoureux ◽  
J E Keeffe

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