Counselling glaucoma patients

Counseling can be regarded as advice and support that is given to people to help them deal with problems, make important decisions, and manage situations.

Patients with glaucooma need education and support from healthcare personnel as well as from their relatives to cope with glaucoma. The need for education and support is individual but the most 

important time for education and support is at the initial stages of the illness. The need for education and support is also evident when the patient’s treatment is changed or an operative procedure is Performed.

The purpose is to: 1) to help patient identify goals and potential solution to present situation.

2) improve communication.

3) provide means of coping with the disease.

4) strengthen self esteem.

5) promote optimal mental health. 

HOW TO COUNSEL A PATIENT

Counseling a glaucoma patient can be technical and because is an individualized

disease, the most effective way of educating a newly diagnosed patient must be customized to that person.

During this section some factors such as the patients emotions, economic status,

level of education, language, believe etc. are to be considered. 

STEPS TO COUNSELLING A GLAUCOMA PATIENT.

 STEP 1: rapport building: I begin the educational process first by welcoming the

patients and caregiver(s), Introduce myself to them and also explain to them

what brought them me.

 STEP 2: Explore their knowledge on the disease (glaucoma)

 STEP 3: I dispel any misconception they have about glaucoma.

 STEP 4: with our glaucoma guide, I educate the patient about glaucoma.

Information contained in guide include: Definition of Glaucoma, Types of glaucoma,

causes of glaucoma.

Signs and symptoms, Risk factors, Treatment options, glaucoma Tests and

investigations, The importance of regular follow-up, The goal of Glaucoma

treatment, Family screening, Foods and drinks to avoid, Tips for eye drops compliance.

STAGES OF EMOTIONS

Anxiety

Depression

Fear Guilt/

Anger

Self pity .

STRATAGIES TO HELP GLAUCOMA PATIENTS ADHER TO TREATMENT

 Doctors prescribe eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent the progression of glaucoma, and self-administrationof eye drops is relatively easy. However, many treatment regimens involve multiple sets of eye drops, which may need to be administered in differing proportions, which complicates self￾treatment. As studies have pointed out, the more complex the dosage requirements, the more likely thea Patient is to lapse in treatment adherence.

Involved Family Members:

According to the study, the social environment of the patient is the single 

largest determinant of their medication compliance. Adherence to therapeutic eye drop prescriptions is high in patients who have nearby supportive family members during the time that they’re supposed to take their treatment. Making sure that a patient’s family is aware of the helpful role they can play will be instrumental when trying to ensure compliance with medication. 

MISTAKES TO AVOID DURING COUNSELING

 DONT INSPIRE FEAR OR HOPELESSNESS IN A PATIENT:

 DON’T GIVE FALSE HOPE.

 DON’T BE EAGER TO ADVICE.

 DONT POSE A NEGATIVE BODY LANGUAGE.

 DON’T RESERVE ANY INFORMATION.