The impact of educational workshops on individuals at risk for glaucoma in the Philadelphia Glaucoma Detection and Treatment Project

- Individuals at risk for glaucoma attended educational workshops and completed a pre- and post-test.
- The post-test composite scores were significantly higher than the pre-test ones (P < 0.001).
- Nearly half of the attendees made an appointment for a glaucoma detection examination.
- Educational workshops can help increase health-literacy and appointment adherence.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of educational workshops, led by community health educators, on the level of knowledge, perceived risk of glaucoma, and rate of attendance in a subsequent glaucoma detection examination.MethodsParticipants attended an educational workshop about glaucoma and completed an 8-question pre- and post-test to assess knowledge. A paired samples t-test assessed mean differences in composite pre- and post-test scores, correct responses for each question, and perceived risk of glaucoma after the workshop.ResultsSeven hundred and seven (707) pre- and post-test surveys were completed. There was a significant increase in the level of knowledge about glaucoma as reflected in the pre- and post-test composite scores (M = 3.86, SD = 1.95 vs. M = 4.97, SD = 1.82, P < 0.001). In the 5 largest community sites, 44% (n = 221/480) of the participants who attended an educational workshop scheduled a glaucoma detection examination appointment and 76% (n = 160/211) of these participants completed this eye examination in the community setting.ConclusionsEducational workshops increased knowledge and awareness about glaucoma and were helpful in recruiting patients for community-based glaucoma detection examinations.Practice implicationsWe recommend including educational workshops when conducting community-based outreach programs.