DIABETIC RETINOPATHY SCREENING PROGRAMS IN URBAN POPULATIONS: AN URBAN BIOETHICS ANALYSIS

Abstract

The Temple University Hospital System Ophthalmology Department implemented a telemedicine screening program for diabetic retinopathy to improve patient care and community engagement. The program screened over 1900 patients in the Philadelphia area from March 2016 to March 2020 and identified a significant number of patients who required further in-person examination and treatment. The implementation of a telemedicine screening program for diabetic retinopathy raises important ethical issues and merits discussion of the impact of social determinants of health on healthcare outcomes. In these community initiatives, the principles of agency, beneficence, non-maleficence, social justice, and solidarity in bioethics should be considered as they pertain to the specific needs of the community in which they are implemented. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of considering the ethical implications of healthcare practices, including diabetic retinopathy screenings. The risks and barriers to access must be taken into account, especially for vulnerable populations in urban areas. As such, promoting primary care engagement, providing accurate and culturally appropriate education and outreach, and addressing social determinants of health can help ensure that all patients have access to comprehensive and equitable care. By considering these factors, diabetic retinopathy screenings can be conducted in an ethical and effective manner.