Patient Navigator Intervention for Vision Impairment or Blindness

(NYCES Trial)

This trial aims to assist individuals who may be unaware of having high blood pressure (hypertension) or glaucoma. The study will test whether patient navigators, who provide support through text messages, can help participants attend health appointments and learn more about these conditions. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving text message support (Intervention Using Patient Navigators) and one without it (Usual Care Without Patient Navigators). This trial suits those aged 40 and older who live in affordable housing and have a cell phone capable of texting. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that may enhance healthcare support systems.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Research has shown that patient navigator programs have been safely used in various healthcare settings. For example, one study found that a virtual patient navigation program led to fewer hospital visits compared to regular care, indicating that these programs are generally well-received.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a new way to support people with vision impairment or blindness through the use of patient navigators. Unlike typical care where patients might only get initial appointment scheduling, this approach offers ongoing text message support for managing follow-up appointments and educating patients about conditions like hypertension and glaucoma. This personalized, continuous assistance could improve adherence to treatment plans and empower patients with valuable health knowledge, which is a big step forward compared to standard care options.

Research has shown that patient navigators can significantly assist people with visual impairments in maintaining their eye exam schedules. For instance, the NYC-SIGHT Study found that these navigators increased the number of patients attending follow-up eye exams after community screenings. In this trial, participants in the Virtual Automated Navigator Intervention arm will receive text messaging support for scheduling and attending appointments, along with education about hypertension and/or glaucoma. Another study highlighted that patient navigator programs effectively overcome obstacles patients face, facilitating access to necessary care. These findings suggest that patient navigators play a crucial role in managing vision health, particularly for those at risk of glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve. Meanwhile, participants in the Usual Care arm will only have their initial appointments scheduled without additional support.¹⁴⁶⁷⁸