Abstract
Introduction Few symptom-specific questionnaires exist within the glaucoma literature. Existing questionnaires have not used participant-led analyses, reducing patient influence and reports from lived experience. They also have not assessed the impact or severity of individual symptoms.
Aims To pilot use of the Nominal Group Technique (NGT), to generate a glaucoma-specific symptom list and facilitate development of a symptom questionnaire.
Methods Participants included one glaucoma (n=6, median [IQR] age: 77 [71, 79.5] and one age-similar control group (n=10, median [IQR] age: 73 [66, 74]. The glaucoma group were asked to identify vision changes attributable to their glaucoma. The controls were asked to identify vision changes since the age of 50. Group discussions achieved a unique symptom list through group consensus via the NGT. Participants then individually ranked their symptoms based on frequency, severity, and activity-limitation. Lists were compared between groups, and common symptoms removed.
Results The final, glaucoma-specific symptom list consisted of 12 unique symptoms. Needing more light for near tasks was the most frequent and severe symptom, with the greatest impact on daily living. The second highest ranked symptom for all measures was sensitivity to bright light/sunlight. Some symptoms were not ranked by any participants, indicating some misunderstanding of task requirements.
Conclusion Indications that the ranking task was not fully understood suggest an important limitation of this methodology. In future, a hand count will determine frequency of symptoms. Participants will also indicate their single most severe and most activity-limiting symptom. Multiple sessions with glaucoma and control participants will inform development of the questionnaire.
Acknowledgements Faculty of Life Sciences Clover Leaf PhD Scholarship, University of Bradford
