Implementation Mapping of the Collaborative University of California Teleophthalmology Initiative (CUTI): A Qualitative Study Using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) Framework.

Background This study aimed to investigate the rationale, barriers, and facilitators of teleretinal camera implementation in primary care and endocrinology clinics for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening across University of California (UC) health systems utilizing the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework. Methodology Institutional representatives from UC Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Davis participated in a series of focus group meetings to elicit implementation facilitators and barriers for teleophthalmology programs within their campuses. Site representatives also completed a survey regarding their program's performance over the calendar year 2022 in the following areas: DR screening camera sites, payment sources and coding, screening workflows including clinical, information technology (IT), reading, results, pathologic findings, and follow-up, including patient outreach for abnormal results. Focus group and survey results were mapped to the EPIS framework to gain insights into the implementation process of these programs and identify areas for optimization. Results Four UC campuses with 20 active camera sites screened 7,450 patients in the calendar year 2022. The average DR screening rate across the four campuses was 55%. Variations between sources of payment, turn-around time, image-grading structure, image-report characteristics, IT infrastructure, and patient outreach strategies were identified between sites. Closing gaps in IT integration between data systems, ensuring the financial sustainability of the program, and optimizing patient outreach remain primary challenges across sites and serve as good opportunities for cross-institutional learning. Conclusions Despite the potential for long-term cost savings and improving access to care, numerous obstacles continue to hinder the widespread implementation of teleretinal DR screening. Implementation science approaches can identify strategies for addressing these challenges and optimizing implementation.