Outcomes in patients with chronic uveitis: which factors matter to patients? A qualitative study

PURPOSE: Outcome measurements currently used in chronic uveitis care fail to cover the full patient perspective. The aim of this study is to develop a conceptual model of the factors that adult patients with chronic uveitis consider to be important when evaluating the impact of their disease and treatment. METHODS: A qualitative study design was used. Twenty chronic uveitis patients were recruited to participate in two focus groups. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis in ATLAS.ti. RESULTS: Coding of the transcripts resulted in a total of 19 codes divided over five themes: 1) disease symptoms and treatment; 2) diagnosis and treatment process; 3) impact on daily functioning; 4) emotional impact; and 5) treatment success factors. CONCLUSION: The conceptual model resulting from this study can contribute to the development of future uveitis specific measures in adults.