Self-management programs for adults with low vision: Needs and challenges

• Published in: Patient education and counseling 2007-12, Vol.69 (1), p.39-46
• Main Authors: Rees, G, Saw, C.L, Lamoureux, E.L, Keeffe, J.E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activities of Daily Living - psychology; Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Attitude to Health; Depression - etiology; Depression - prevention & control; Emotions; Female; Goals; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Internal Medicine; Male; Middle Aged; Needs Assessment - organization & administration; New South Wales; Nursing; Patient education; Patient Education as Topic - organization & administration; Problem Solving; Qualitative Research; Self Care - methods; Self Care - psychology; Self-management; Social Behavior; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vision impairment; Vision, Low - complications; Vision, Low - psychology; Vision, Low - rehabilitation
• ISSN: 0738-3991; 1873-5134
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2007.06.016

Abstract Objective To explore the needs of individuals with low vision in order to inform the contents of a low vision self-management (SM) program and determine potential barriers to participation. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 48 participants with low vision resulting different from eye conditions. Qualitative analysis was conducted in order to identify major themes. Results All participants described a range of consequences as a result of vision loss including difficulties with functional activities, social interaction and emotional distress. Less than half were interested in attending a SM program. Barriers included practical reasons as well as a perceived lack of need and unclear or negative perceptions of such a program. Conclusion SM programs for low vision are a promising way to help address the range of difficulties experienced by this population if barriers to participation can be overcome. Practice implications SM programs should include vision-specific strategies, training in generic problem-solving and goal setting skills and how to cope with emotional reactions to vision impairment. Programs should be delivered and promoted in such a way to enhance access and encourage uptake by those with a range of vision loss in the community.