Factors Affecting Reliability; Patient Compliance - Zeiss HUMPHREY 720i User Manual

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FACTORS AFFECTING
RELIABILITY

Patient compliance

REV. B 02/03 PN 51680-1
The importance of the perimetrist reigns above all other factors affecting test reliability. This
was true before the advent of automation and still proves to be true with computerized
perimetry. The "human factor," that is, the interaction between the perimetrist and the patient,
cannot be overlooked when discussing test reliability.
It is the perimetrist's job to promote patient cooperation and to motivate the patient to put
forth his or her best effort.
Tips for achieving patient compliance:
• Create the proper environment.
Do not position the perimeter in a noisy or busy location where the patient can be
easily distracted while listening to test instructions or while taking the visual field test.
Keep the room temperature cool so the patient is less likely to become drowsy.
• Foster a relaxed atmosphere.
Vision tests sometimes make patients anxious, especially if it is a new experience.
Allow patients time to relax, use the rest room, or drink water.
•
Seat the patient comfortably.
Use an adjustable office chair (with or without arms) to accommodate tall and short
patients. The perimeter and table will accommodate a full-size office chair with arms
or a wheelchair. Be sure to adjust the table height and, if available, slide the instru-
ment toward the patient to best meet comfort demands. The patient should be sitting
comfortably erect, and not leaning excessively forward.
• Give clear test instructions.
Consider the possibility that the patient may not hear well. In such cases, face patients
while explaining the test procedure so they can benefit from lip reading and gestures.
Avoid giving instructions while the patient is wearing an eye patch.
Emphasize that it is normal and expected that many stimuli will not be seen. Thresh-
old tests are designed such that fewer than 50% of the stimuli presented will be seen.
• Keep the patient motivated during the test.
Pause the test, as necessary, to allow the patient ample rest time. Encourage the
patient frequently and assure them, by using verbal confirmations, that they are doing
a good job (e.g. "You're doing fine" or "Keep up the good work").
Unless the patient has a proven record for reliability, don't abandon them during
testing, especially during the first few minutes. Correcting a problem immediately
may prevent having to repeat an entire test.
HUMPHREY FIELD ANALYZER II -
TEST RELIABILITY
i
series