Understanding the landscape and building partnerships to plan a pragmatic trial of accessible mental health support for Canadians with eye diseases: A Protocol (Preprint)

Abstract

UNSTRUCTURED Introduction This qualitative study aims to explore the perspectives of glaucoma patients as well as their physicians and ophthalmic nurses on the acceptability and feasibility of a proposed virtual intervention where glaucoma patients are taught breathing exercises and meditation in order to improve their quality of life. Using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to guide data collection and analysis, semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 15 participants from each stakeholder group (total N = 45). Participants will be asked questions regarding perceived barriers and facilitators to the implementation of breathing exercises and meditation in a clinical setting, and their perceptions regarding breathing exercises and meditation as an intervention. Methods and Analysis Interviews will be conducted virtually using Microsoft Teams, provided by St. Joseph’s Health Care London. Each interview will be audio-recorded, transcribed, and anonymized. Thematic analysis of anonymized data will be used to identify key barriers and facilitators to the intervention mapped to various TDF domains. Ethics and Dissemination This study has been approved by the Western Health Sciences Research Ethics Board (ID #128884). Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and will also be shared with the leadership and clinical staff at St. Joseph’s Health Care London. What is already known on this topic Previous studies have shown that breathing exercises and meditation may play a role in improving quality of life in some glaucoma patients, but little research has been done investigating how and when breathing exercises and meditation can be implemented more effectively for glaucoma patients. What this study adds By investigating perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing breathing exercises and meditation, as well as attitudes towards the intervention, this study aims to help researchers and physicians understand the potential challenges associated with using breathing exercises and meditation to improve quality of life for glaucoma patients. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy The findings will directly inform the optimal design of the intervention, as well as potential implementation strategies of the intervention in clinical settings, ensuring it is patient-centered and practically viable in real-world scenarios.