Description
The project objective is to perform social auditing of the availability of wAMD treatment financed from public funds in Poland. Based on analyses performed, a report will be prepared indicating the quality of medical care in treatment of AMD available in Poland. The report will show whether the available medical care is consistent with medical guidelines and sufficient to protect patients from blindness resulting from AMD, and what action should be taken to improve the existing situation. The report will be published, forwarded to stakeholders, and promoted during relevant conferences and debates. It will significantly support advocacy activities. Based on the report, a short guidelines for patients will be prepared as a tool to defend their rights and to seek appropriate care and treatment. The activities are addressed to patients, institutions responsible for healthcare, politicians, and general public.
Summary of project results
AMD is an eye disease posing the highest risk of loss of vision in the elderly. It is estimated that there are about 120-225 thousand people with wet AMD (wAMD) in Poland, but less than 7 thousand cases were treated by public healthcare in 2013. Therapies checking the disease exist, but access to treatment in the public system is insufficient. Patients are forced to pay for costly treatment, which for many of them is not affordable. The objective of the project was to proliferate information about the condition and methods of treatment; to improve access to treatment, and to express the needs of people losing sight due to wAMD. The project included a survey of 378 patients from all over Poland, concerning their needs, as well as interviews with 23 ophthalmologists, on procedural problems in therapy. The reliability of information from the National Health Fund (NFZ) website, concerning waiting lists for treatment of wAMD in 143 health centres, was verified. Conclusions were presented to the NFZ. The results and conclusions from the collected data and expert analyses of systemic legal conditions, and treatment and rehabilitation of wAMD patients, were published in a report delivered to decision makers - the Ministry of Health (MZ), the ophthalmological community (national and regional consultants), MPs and senators, members of regional administration. The results of the monitoring were presented and discussed with decision makers, doctors and patients during the final conference, as well as during round table debates in 6 Polish cities. A White Book of wAMD treatment was comprised, containing suggested changes to be introduced in different areas of wAMD patients' life. A handbook for patients was published. 1500 printed copies, as well as an electronic version of the publication were delivered to patients. As a result of the project, public awareness of the problem was improved, as well as the decision-makers' willingness to improve the system of medical care. The dialogue with the Ministry, the NFZ, doctors and clinics was established. Many doctors became aware of the value of rehabilitation. National, regional and professional media published a number of reports. The project's partner conducted interviews with ophthalmologists treating wAMD in different regions.
Summary of bilateral results