# Rehabilitation for patients with retinal diseases in Brazil: An exploratory study

## TL;DR

This study explores the state of rehabilitation services for retinal disease patients in Brazil and finds that most are unaware of these services.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the underutilization of rehabilitation services for retinal diseases in Brazil and suggests ways to improve accessibility.

## Key findings

- Only 33.8% of 142 patients with retinal diseases in Brazil were undergoing rehabilitation.
- Lack of knowledge about rehabilitation services was the main reason for non-participation.
- Rehabilitation improved quality of life for 80.9% of participants and satisfaction was higher in specialized centers.

## Abstract

To evaluate the current scenario of rehabilitation services for people with
retinal diseases in Brazil.

An exploratory study was conducted between February 2023 and June 2023 using
a Google Forms questionnaire that was distributed by patient
associations.

A total of 142 patients, aged 18-80 were included in the study. Forty-eight
participants (33.8%) were undergoing rehabilitation, while 94 (66.2%) were
not. The main reason for not undergoing rehabilitation was a lack of
knowledge about the service (n=41, 43.6%). Healthcare professionals made the
most referrals (n=20, 41.7%). Rehabilitation improved the quality of life in
38 (80.9%) participants, and 28 (62.2%) participants were satisfied with the
process. There was a statistically significant disparity between patient
satisfaction and the locale of rehabilitation implementation. Twenty-three
(69.7%) participants who underwent rehabilitation at a specialized center
reported satisfaction.

The rehabilitation process directly increases the quality of life of
individuals with retinal diseases. However, despite the availability of
rehabilitation centers in large parts of Brazil, most patients with retinal
diseases are not acquainted with the rehabilitation process and do not
receive referrals for it. Thus, healthcare providers should increase
referrals to rehabilitation centers, and public policies should be
formulated to raise awareness among the population regarding the
availability of rehabilitation services.