Information about the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) system @SNEC
Understanding the impact of eye treatments from the patient’s perspective is essential to improve their quality of life.
Until now, measurement of quality of life has been done using ‘fixed length’ questionnaires, i.e., all questions must be answered by patients to get an overall score. However, fixed length questionnaires are time-consuming to answer and not easy to implement into busy clinics; as such, they are rarely used in routine clinical care.
A new “smart” technology called computerized adaptive testing, or CAT, enables the quality of life impact of eye treatments to be measured quickly and accurately. Questions for patients are selected based on their previous responses, meaning that the process is targeted and personalized; and only a small number of questions need to be answered to give a precise quality of life score. Results are available immediately and dropped into patients’ medical records, ready for discussion with their doctor, if needed.
Researchers at the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) have developed CATs for vision impairment, glaucoma and diabetic eye diseases.
These CATs can capture the impact of treatment on multiple areas of quality of life, such as daily living tasks, symptoms, and emotional well-being, using only 7 or 8 items per quality of life domain. It takes only 2-3 minutes to complete each CAT test.
How does this help me?
The CAT system….
• Provides a voice to patients’ symptoms and issues; and creates the opportunity to talk about these with your doctor.
• Can help monitor how well your treatment is working.
• Provides patients with the health care they deserve, especially if a little bit more care is needed (for example, low vision rehabilitation, or financial counselling).
Frequently Asked Questions
Researchers and doctors at Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) are trying to determine how CATs can best be implemented in clinics at SNEC. These CATs will help determine your quality of life related to your eye condition and/or its treatment(s).
How does CAT work?
CAT is a method of administering questions from a large question bank. Using an Artificial Intelligence algorithm, you will be administered questions that best target your level of quality of life based on your previous answers. This results in a quick yet precise way of measuring your quality of life.
How does the study work?
- About 1-3 days before your appointment at SNEC, you will receive a secure weblink via WhatsApp to answer the CAT. You will be asked to complete the CAT test prior to your appointment. Each CAT test takes about 2-3 minutes to complete. You may receive a reminder via WhatsApp if you have not completed the test.
- If you are facing difficulties with accessing/completing the CAT, a study team member will be on standby on the day of your appointment to assist you. A few weeks after your appointment you will be sent another secure weblink for a follow-up CAT test.
- Some participants will be invited to take part in individual interviews to share their experience about taking the CAT tests with us.
- Those participating in the interviews will be reimbursed for their valuable input.
What happens with my data?
Your data will stored on Amazon Web Services (Singapore). The server has been fully approved by the Integrated Health Information Systems (IHiS) and is endorsed by SNEC. Associate Professor E. Fenwick and Professor E. Lamoureux will be the only researchers able to access your data in AWS. Only your NRIC and your quality of life scores will be stored in AWS. Your NRIC will be encrypted before it is uploaded into AWS. Only you and your doctor will be able to see the CAT test results in your electronic medical record.
What are the benefits of participating in this study?
Gain a better insight on how your eye treatment(s) impact your quality of life.
- Allows clinicians to better understand and measure treatment effects from your point of view.
- Have more meaningful conversations with your doctor about how your eye condition affects your daily life – and what kind of solutions might be possible.
- Help drive medical care forward for thousands of other patients.
Still have questions?
Please contact Assoc. Professor Eva Fenwick (efenwick@duke-nus.edu.sg) or Asst. Prof Ryan Man (ryan.man@duke-nus.edu.sg)