Early Real-World Patient and Staff Experience with an Intracanalicular Dexamethasone Insert.

Abstract

To evaluate both the early experience of real-world patients treated with dexamethasone ophthalmic insert (0.4 mg; DEXTENZA®), hereafter referred to as DEX, after cataract surgery as well as staff/practice integration of DEX relative to eyedrops. This was a cross-sectional survey study of 23 cataract practices in the United States. Respondents were patients and practice staff who had experience with DEX following cataract surgery. Both patients and practice staff completed an online survey. Descriptive statistics summarized the survey responses to portray the experience of the respondents. Surveys were completed by 62 patients and 19 practice staff. Almost all patients (93%) were satisfied or extremely satisfied with DEX. Patients highly preferred DEX (93%) to topical steroid drops (7%) based on past experiences with topical steroid drops. Most practice staff (95%) were satisfied or highly satisfied with DEX, reporting a 45% reduction in time spent educating patients on postoperative drop use and a 46% decrease in time spent addressing calls from pharmacies regarding postoperative medications. Incorporating the DEX insert into clinical practice in cataract surgery practices can improve patient adherence, while potentially providing significant savings to practices in terms of time spent educating patients and responding to patient and pharmacy call-backs.