To evaluate patient-reported experiences, attitudes, and barriers during routine ophthalmic examinations in Australian private practice settings, highlighting the significance of these factors in improving patient care.
Key Findings:
203 patients participated, with a balanced gender distribution; 52% female and 48% male.
Patients reported challenges such as anxiety (45%), discomfort (30%), and skepticism (25%) regarding the clinical utility of tests.
Visual field testing was perceived more negatively by 60% of glaucoma patients compared to those with other ocular conditions.
Interpretation:
The study highlights significant patient-reported challenges during ophthalmic examinations, suggesting a need for improved communication and procedural adjustments to enhance patient experiences.
Limitations:
The study's exploratory nature limits generalizability, suggesting the need for larger, confirmatory studies.
No formal power calculation was performed for sample size determination, which may affect the robustness of the findings.
Conclusion:
Identifying patient experiences can guide improvements in ophthalmic examination procedures, ultimately enhancing patient adherence to monitoring and treatment, and informing future research directions.
