Study: Exploring the acceptance of an early screening tool for neurodegenerative disease that uses 3D retinal imaging and AI
Investigating the factors that may influence an individual's decision to use an early screening tool
The early symptoms of MND are shared with many other conditions, making early diagnosis often difficult. However, early diagnosis of MND may allow treatment to begin early, slowing the progression of the disease. As the eye is essentially an outgrowth of the brain, changes in the back of the eye are associated with changes in the brain, which can be viewed via 3D scanning Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which is becoming increasingly available in high-street optometrists.
Although these changes are often too subtle for the human eye to detect, recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning allow for the possibility of screening for neurodegenerative disease as part of a routine eye test, allowing for earlier diagnosis and subsequent treatment. However, this raises the critical question of whether the public would want to be screened for to detect the early signs of neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson’s and MND. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors that may influence an individual’s decision to use such a tool, by simulating a trip to the opticians.
The results will help to map a route for improving acceptability and uptake of such a tool, if (most likely when) it becomes available. For example, the results may advise on which groups may benefit from interventions to encourage screening uptake or raise awareness.
What does taking part involve?
Taking part involves completing a survey, which should take around 10-15 minutes to complete. Participants will first be asked some brief questions before starting the animated ‘role play’ of a trip to the opticians for an eye test, before being offered a new screening tool.
Participants will receive a £5 Amazon voucher as a thank you for taking part in this study. They will be asked to enter their email address at the end to receive the voucher, which will not be linked to their previous responses.
Who can take part?
How can I take part?
Take part in the study by using the link below:
https://newcastlehealth.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_79Xo9BquVNIuuYS
Expiry: November 2022
The early symptoms of MND are shared with many other conditions, making early diagnosis often difficult. However, early diagnosis of MND may allow treatment to begin early, slowing the progression of the disease. As the eye is essentially an outgrowth of the brain, changes in the back of the eye are associated with changes in the brain, which can be viewed via 3D scanning Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which is becoming increasingly available in high-street optometrists.
Although these changes are often too subtle for the human eye to detect, recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning allow for the possibility of screening for neurodegenerative disease as part of a routine eye test, allowing for earlier diagnosis and subsequent treatment. However, this raises the critical question of whether the public would want to be screened for to detect the early signs of neurodegenerative disease such as Parkinson’s and MND. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors that may influence an individual’s decision to use such a tool, by simulating a trip to the opticians.
The results will help to map a route for improving acceptability and uptake of such a tool, if (most likely when) it becomes available. For example, the results may advise on which groups may benefit from interventions to encourage screening uptake or raise awareness.
What does taking part involve?
Taking part involves completing a survey, which should take around 10-15 minutes to complete. Participants will first be asked some brief questions before starting the animated ‘role play’ of a trip to the opticians for an eye test, before being offered a new screening tool.
Participants will receive a £5 Amazon voucher as a thank you for taking part in this study. They will be asked to enter their email address at the end to receive the voucher, which will not be linked to their previous responses.
Who can take part?
- People living with MND
- Aged 18+
- Lives in the UK and fluent English
How can I take part?
Take part in the study by using the link below:
https://newcastlehealth.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_79Xo9BquVNIuuYS
Expiry: November 2022
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