Telephone follow-up for cataract surgery: feasibility and patient satisfaction study

Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the feasibility of telephone follow-up (TFU) after uncomplicated cataract surgery in low-risk patients and patient satisfaction with this alternative clinical pathway. Design/methodology/approach - Prospective, non-randomised cohort study. A ten-point subjective ophthalmic assessment questionnaire and a six-point patient satisfaction questionnaire were administered to patients following routine cataract surgery at two to three weeks post-procedure. All patients were offered a further clinic review if required. Exclusion criteria comprised ophthalmic co-morbidities, hearing/language impairment and high risk of post-operative complications. Patient notes were retrospectively reviewed over the study period to ensure no additional emergency attendances took place. Findings - Over three months, 50 eyes of 50 patients (mean age: 80; age range 60-91; 66 per cent second eye surgery) underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery received a TFU at 12-24 days (mean: 16 days) post-operatively. Subjective visual acuity was graded as good by 92 per cent of patients; 72 per cent patients reported no pain and 20 per cent reported mild occasional grittiness. Patient satisfaction was graded 8.9 out of 10; 81.6 per cent defined TFU as convenient and 75.5 per cent of patients preferred TFU to routine outpatient review. No additional visits were required. Research limitations/implications - Non-randomised with no control group; small sample size. One patient was unable to be contacted. Practical implications - Post-operative TFU can be suitably targeted to low-risk patients following uncomplicated cataract surgery. This study demonstrated a high patient satisfaction. A larger, randomised study is in progress to assess this further. Originality/value - This is the first study reporting TFU results and patient satisfaction to the usual alternative two-week outpatient review.

Comparison of safety and number of post-operative visits of patients in convenient day versus conventional first day follow-up after phacoemulsification

“… 5 , 13 , 14 Post cataract surgery telephonic conversation with the patient is found to be safe and satisfying to the patient. 7 , 8 Patient’s first follow-up visit to the health care facility can be safely prolonged up to two weeks. 15 In the current study convenient day postoperative follow-up was comparable to the conventional first day follow-up in terms of safety.…”

“… 7 Patient were found to be satisfied with first follow up visit at convenient day. 8 Less number of visits would reduce the stress on the patients and the surgeons. It would reduce the cost associated with extra follow up visits.…”

Optimization of cataract surgery follow-up: A standard set of questions can predict unexpected management changes at postoperative week one

“…Notably, alternative follow-up schedules eliminating the early follow-up and suggesting a first postoperative examination at 1–2 weeks after surgery or no examination at all have been investigated. [22–29] Although, these schedules may be convenient for clinics in isolated rural areas or patients for whom access to the hospital is difficult,[22, 23, 26] our study was based on the recommendations of the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggesting that a first postoperative evaluation be performed within 24–48 hours from surgery. [2]…”

Effects of Discharge Education and Telephone Follow-up on Cataract Patients' Activities According to the Model of Living

“…10 Patients who undergo cataract surgery can take their previously prescribed medicine (eg for blood pressure and diabetes) without having any concerns. 29,30 However, aspirin-derived medicines are contraindicated because those types of medicines may cause bleeding. 24 Effective discharge education is essential in reducing complications, preventing rehospitalization 10,26 and avoiding wrong practices.…”