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Bianchi E, Reddingius PF, Rathore M, Lindfield D, Crabb DP, Jones PR. Pushing the envelope: the feasibility of using a mailed contrast sensitivity test to prioritise cataract waiting lists. Eye (Lond) 2024:10.1038/s41433-024-03081-6. [PMID: 38802486 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-03081-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cataract waiting lists are growing globally. Pragmatic, cost-effective methods are required to prioritise the most urgent cases. Here we investigate the feasibility of using a third-party pen-and-paper contrast sensitivity, CS, test (SpotChecksTM), delivered by mail, and performed by patients at home unsupervised, to flag eyes requiring surgery. METHODS Pen-and-paper CS tests were mailed to 233 people waiting for a cataract assessment, along with a prepaid return envelope (cross-sectional study). Response rates were tabulated (stratified by age, sex and socioeconomic status), and test scores analysed to see how well the home tests predicted which eyes were listed subsequently for surgery. A subset of patients (N = 39) also underwent in-person follow-up testing, to confirm the accuracy of the home data. RESULTS Forty-six percent of patients responded (216 eyes). No gross differences were observed between respondents and non-respondents, either in terms of age, sex, socioeconomic status, or geographic location (all P > 0.05). The home-test CS scores predicted which eyes were subsequently listed for surgery, with an AUROC {±CI95%} of 0.69 {0.61-0.76}. Predictive performance was further-improved when machine learning was used to combine CS scores with letter acuity, extracted from patients' medical records (AUROC {±CI95%} = 0.77 {0.70-0.83}). Among 39 patients who underwent follow-up testing, home CS scores were correlated with various measures made in clinic: biometry signal-to-noise (P = 0.032), LogMAR acuity, Pelli-Robson CS and SpotChecks CS (all P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Mailing patients pen-and-paper CS tests may be a feasible, 'low-tech' way of prioritising patients on cataract waiting lists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Bianchi
- Glaucoma Services, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - Peter F Reddingius
- Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, EC1V 0HB, England
| | - Mehal Rathore
- Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, EC1V 0HB, England
| | - Dan Lindfield
- Glaucoma Services, Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Guildford, UK
| | - David P Crabb
- Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, EC1V 0HB, England
| | - Pete R Jones
- Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, EC1V 0HB, England.
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2
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Kirkwood G, Buchan J, Pollock AM. Waiting Times for Cataract Surgery in Scotland since 2002 and the Effect of Austerity: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2022; 30:1-8. [PMID: 35650522 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2022.2075900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In Scotland, in 2002, the National Waiting Times Unit was launched to reduce NHS waiting times. This was accompanied by a series of waiting time targets across the NHS in Scotland. The purpose of this study is to analyse changes in equality of access to treatment by socioeconomic deprivation associated with this initiative. METHODS Trends in annual cataract rates were calculated using secondary care admissions' Scottish Morbidity Record (SMR01) data on NHS funded elective cataract procedures for patients treated in Scotland from 01 April 1997 to 31 March 2019. An interrupted time series model was used to analyse socioeconomic differences in waiting times by deprivation quintile over three time periods; pre and post waiting time initiative, and post austerity. RESULTS Cataract Surgical Rates more than doubled from 3,723 per million population in 1997/1998 to 7,896 per million population in 2018/2019. Mean waiting time fell from 129.5 days in 1997/1998 to 87.7 days in 2018/2019. Inequality in mean waiting time between most and least deprived cataract patients increased by 1.34 days per quarter between 01 April 1997 and 30 June 2002 and following the waiting time initiative fell by 0.41 days per quarter through to 31 March 2010; and then decreased by 0.002 days per quarter between 01 April 2010 and 31 March 2019. CONCLUSION The waiting time initiative had a major impact on reducing inequality in waiting times between socioeconomic groups. The onset of austerity in 2010 was associated with a very small and insignificant increase in inequality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham Kirkwood
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University,Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John Buchan
- Royal College of Ophthalmologists National Ophthalmology Database, International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
| | - Allyson M Pollock
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University,Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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3
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Farquhar E, Harley U, Rotchford A, Ramaesh K. Should We Perform Early Cataract Surgery? A Patient Reported Outcome Study. Clin Ophthalmol 2021; 15:4707-4714. [PMID: 34938067 PMCID: PMC8687683 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s323348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Current guidance states that access to cataract surgery should not be restricted by visual acuity (VA); nevertheless, 6/12 is used as a cut-off criterion in some health institutions. This study aims to determine the benefits of performing cataract surgery in patients with VA of 6/9 or better in both eyes; determine whether these benefits change over time; and compare the benefit observed between early first eye and second eye surgery. Patients and Methods Fifty adults with VA at least 6/9 in the worst eye and no ocular comorbidity were recruited. The Visual Function Index (VF-14) and Impact of Visual Impairment (IVI) questionnaires were conducted pre-operatively, 4 months post-operatively, and 12 months post-operatively. The t-test or a non-parametric equivalent was used to compare averages between groups. Results The mean change in VF-14 from baseline to 4 months was 16.43 (95% CI 12.49–20.50, p < 0.001) and the median change in IVI was 6.5 (IQR 9.75, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between 4-month and 12-month follow-up (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the change in visual function between the first and second eye surgery (p > 0.05). Conclusion This study provides evidence that visual function improves after cataract surgery in patients with pre-operative VA of 6/9 or better. The improvement observed was clinically significant and unchanged a year after surgery. Visual function improved after second eye as much as after first eye surgery. Assessing patient reported visual function may give a more realistic indication of the benefit of early cataract surgery than relying on VA alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilidh Farquhar
- Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Umiya Harley
- Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alan Rotchford
- Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kanna Ramaesh
- Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology, Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
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4
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Gates M, Tang AR, Godil SS, Devin CJ, McGirt MJ, Zuckerman SL. Defining the relative utility of lumbar spine surgery: A systematic literature review of common surgical procedures and their impact on health states. J Clin Neurosci 2021; 93:160-167. [PMID: 34656241 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative lumbar spondylosis is a common indication for patients undergoing spine surgery. As healthcare costs rise, measuring quality of life (QOL) gains after surgical procedures is critical in assessing value. We set out to: 1) compare baseline and postoperative EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) scores for lumbar spine surgery and common surgical procedures to obtain post-operative quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gain, and 2) establish the relative utility of lumbar spine surgery as compared to other commonly performed surgical procedures. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify all studies reporting preoperative/baseline and postoperative EQ-5D scores for common surgical procedures. For each study, the number of patients included and baseline/preoperative and follow-up mean EQ-5D scores were recorded, and mean QALY gained for each intervention was calculated. A total of 67 studies comprising 95,014 patients were identified. Patients with lumbar spondylosis had the worst reported QOL at baseline compared to other surgical cohorts. The greatest QALY gain was seen in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty (0.38), knee arthroplasty (0.35) and lumbar spine surgery (0.32), nearly 2.5-fold greater QALY gained than for all other procedures. The low preoperative QOL, coupled with the improvements offered with surgery, highlight the utility and value of lumbar spine surgery compared to other common surgical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Gates
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Wellstar Health System, Austell, GA, United States
| | - Alan R Tang
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Saniya S Godil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Clint J Devin
- Steamboat Orthopaedic and Spine Institute, Steamboat Springs, CO, United States
| | - Matthew J McGirt
- Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Scott L Zuckerman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States.
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5
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O'Brart DP, Roberts H, Naderi K, Gormley J. Economic modelling of immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) in the National Health Service based on possible improvements in surgical efficiency. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2020; 5:e000426. [PMID: 32617415 PMCID: PMC7319779 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2019-000426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To test a hypothesis that operating room (OR) productivity in the National Health Service (NHS) can be improved with the introduction of immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS). Methods and analysis Previously published time and motion data of 140 unilateral cataract surgeries conducted at five different NHS locations were reanalysed to construct a hypothetical model where only ISBCS (±one unilateral case) were conducted while maintaining time durations of all key tasks previously studied. Possible time efficiency savings were calculated for the ISBCS model and percentage increases in numbers of eyes operated per 4-hour theatre session calculated. Gains in efficiency were correlated with factors from the baseline data to predict which settings could improve efficiency most by undertaking ISBCS. Results Based on remodelling our time and motion study (TMS) data as hypothetical ISBCS cases, we could expect a mean 16% reduction (range 9.8%–17.8%) in the time taken for two cataract operations, translating into a mean 54% improvement (range 38%–67%) in number of cases currently performed per list and an 18% improvement (range 9%–28%) even if the number of unilateral cases per list had been fully maximised. An average number of four ISBCS cases per list (range 3–6) were required to achieve sufficient time savings to allow an extra unilateral surgery to be conducted. Conclusion The introduction of routine ISBCS has the potential to improve the productivity of cataract surgery within the NHS, with efficiencies being possible in both high-volume and low-volume surgical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P O'Brart
- Guy's and Saint Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,King's College London, London, UK
| | - Harry Roberts
- Guy's and Saint Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,King's College London, London, UK
| | - Khayam Naderi
- Guy's and Saint Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jack Gormley
- Guy's and Saint Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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6
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Sparrow JM, Grzeda MT, Frost NA, Johnston RL, Liu CSC, Edwards L, Loose A, Donovan JL. Cat-PROM5: a brief psychometrically robust self-report questionnaire instrument for cataract surgery. Eye (Lond) 2018. [PMID: 29521952 PMCID: PMC5898878 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2018.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To develop a short, psychometrically robust and responsive cataract patient reported outcome measure suitable for use in high-volume surgical environments. Methods A prospective study in which participants completed development versions of questionnaires exploring the quality of their eyesight using items harvested from two existing United Kingdom developed parent questionnaires. Participants were 822 patients awaiting cataract surgery recruited from 4 cataract surgical centres based in the UK. Exclusion criteria were other visually significant comorbidities and age <50 years. An iterative multi-stage process of evaluation using Rasch and factor analyses with sequential item reduction was undertaken. Results A definitive item set of just five items delivered performance in accordance with the requirements of the Rasch model: no threshold disordering, no misfitting items, Rasch-based reliability 0.90, person separation 2.98, Cronbach’s α 0.89, good targeting of questions to patients with cataract with pre-operative item mean −0.41 logits and absence of significant floor or ceiling effects, minor deviations of item invariance, and confirmed unidimensionality. The test–re-test repeatability intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.89 with excellent responsiveness to surgery, Cohen’s d −1.45 SD. Rasch calibration values are provided for Cat-PROM5 users. Conclusions A psychometrically robust and highly responsive five-item cataract surgery patient reported outcome measure has been developed, which is suitable for use in high-volume cataract surgical services.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Sparrow
- Bristol Eye Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - M T Grzeda
- Bristol Eye Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, UK.,Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - N A Frost
- Torbay Hospital, Lawes Bridge, Torquay, UK
| | - R L Johnston
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheltenham General Hospital, Cheltenham, UK
| | - C S C Liu
- Sussex Eye Hospital, Brighton, UK.,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - L Edwards
- Bristol Eye Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, UK
| | - A Loose
- Bristol Eye Hospital, Lower Maudlin Street, Bristol, UK
| | - J L Donovan
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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7
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Michelotti M, de Korne DF, Weizer JS, Lee PP, Flanagan D, Kelly SP, Odergren A, Sandhu SS, Wai C, Klazinga N, Haripriya A, Stein JD, Hingorani M. Mapping standard ophthalmic outcome sets to metrics currently reported in eight eye hospitals. BMC Ophthalmol 2017; 17:269. [PMID: 29284445 PMCID: PMC5747118 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-017-0667-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine alignment of proposed international standard outcomes sets for ophthalmic conditions to metrics currently reported by eye hospitals. METHODS Mixed methods comparative benchmark study, including eight eye hospitals in Australia, India, Singapore, Sweden, U.K., and U.S. All are major international tertiary care and training centers in ophthalmology. Main outcome measure is consistency of ophthalmic outcomes measures reported. RESULTS International agreed standard outcomes (ICHOM) sets are available for cataract surgery (10 metrics) and macular degeneration (7 metrics). The eight hospitals reported 22 different metrics for cataract surgery and 2 for macular degeneration, which showed only limited overlap with the proposed ICHOM metrics. None of the hospitals reported patient reported visual functioning or vision-related quality of life outcomes measures (PROMs). Three hospitals (38%) reported rates for uncomplicated cataract surgeries only. There was marked variation in how and at what point postoperatively visual outcomes following cataract, cornea, glaucoma, strabismus and oculoplastics procedures were reported. Seven (87.5%) measured post-operative infections and four (50%) measured 30 day unplanned reoperation rates. CONCLUSIONS Outcomes reporting for ophthalmic conditions currently widely varies across hospitals internationally and does not include patient-reported outcomes. Reaching consensus on measures and consistency in data collection will allow meaningful comparisons and provide an evidence base enabling improved sharing of "best practices" to improve eye care globally. Implementation of international standards is still a major challenge and practice-based knowledge on measures should be one of the inputs of the international standardization process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Michelotti
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR USA
| | - Dirk F. de Korne
- Singapore National Eye Centre, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, 11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore, 168751 Singapore
- Medical Innovation & Care Transformation, KK Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jennifer S. Weizer
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Paul P. Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | | | - Simon P. Kelly
- Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Bolton Hospital, Bolton, UK
| | | | - Sukhpal S. Sandhu
- The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria Australia
| | - Charity Wai
- Singapore National Eye Centre, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, 11 Third Hospital Avenue, Singapore, 168751 Singapore
| | - Niek Klazinga
- Department of Social Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Joshua D. Stein
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
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Roberts HW, Myerscough J, Borsci S, Ni M, O’Brart DPS. Time and motion studies of National Health Service cataract theatre lists to determine strategies to improve efficiency. Br J Ophthalmol 2017; 102:1259-1267. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2017-310452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AimTo provide a quantitative assessment of cataract theatre lists focusing on productivity and staffing levels/tasks using time and motion studies.MethodsNational Health Service (NHS) cataract theatre lists were prospectively observed in five different institutions (four NHS hospitals and one private hospital). Individual tasks and their timings of every member of staff were recorded. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate possible associations between individual timings and tasks.Results140 operations were studied over 18 theatre sessions. The median number of scheduled cataract operations was 7 (range: 5–14). The average duration of an operation was 10.3 min±(SD 4.11 min). The average time to complete one case including patient turnaround was 19.97 min (SD 8.77 min). The proportion of the surgeons’ time occupied on total duties or operating ranged from 65.2% to 76.1% and from 42.4% to 56.7%, respectively. The correlations of the surgical time to patient time in theatre was R2=0.95. A multiple linear regression model found a significant association (F(3,111)=32.86, P<0.001) with R2=0.47 between the duration of one operation and the number of allied healthcare professionals (AHPs), the number of AHP key tasks and the time taken to perform these key tasks by the AHPs.ConclusionsSignificant variability in the number of cases performed and the efficiency of patient flow were found between different institutions. Time and motion studies identified requirements for high-volume models and factors relating to performance. Supporting the surgeon with sufficient AHPs and tasks performed by AHPs could improve surgical efficiency up to approximately double productivity over conventional theatre models.
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9
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Roberts HW, Ni MZ, O'Brart DPS. Financial modelling of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery within the National Health Service using a 'hub and spoke' model for the delivery of high-volume cataract surgery. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e013616. [PMID: 28302635 PMCID: PMC5372035 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To develop financial models which offset additional costs associated with femtosecond laser (FL)-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) against improvements in productivity and to determine important factors relating to its implementation into the National Health Service (NHS). METHODS FL platforms are expensive, in initial purchase and running costs. The additional costs associated with FL technology might be offset by an increase in surgical efficiency. Using a 'hub and spoke' model to provide high-volume cataract surgery, we designed a financial model, comparing FLACS against conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS). The model was populated with averaged financial data from 4 NHS foundation trusts and 4 commercial organisations manufacturing FL platforms. We tested our model with sensitivity and threshold analyses to allow for variations or uncertainties. RESULTS The averaged weekly workload for cataract surgery using our hub and spoke model required either 8 or 5.4 theatre sessions with CPS or FLACS, respectively. Despite reduced theatre utilisation, CPS (average £433/case) was still found to be 8.7% cheaper than FLACS (average £502/case). The greatest associated cost of FLACS was the patient interface (PI) (average £135/case). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that FLACS could be less expensive than CPS, but only if increased efficiency, in terms of cataract procedures per theatre list, increased by over 100%, or if the cost of the PI was reduced by almost 70%. CONCLUSIONS The financial viability of FLACS within the NHS is currently precluded by the cost of the PI and the lack of knowledge regarding any gains in operational efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Roberts
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- King's College London, London, UK
| | - M Z Ni
- Division of Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK
| | - D P S O'Brart
- Department of Ophthalmology, Guy's and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- King's College London, London, UK
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10
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[Patient satisfaction in ambulatory cataract surgery : Differences between outpatients in a special surgery or in a hospital]. Ophthalmologe 2017; 114:812-817. [PMID: 28050643 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-016-0422-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evaluation of patient satisfaction provides important information about subjective quality indicators from the patient's perspective. In Germany, cataract surgery is mostly done ambulatory in a special surgery or in a hospital. This study examines if there are differences in global patient satisfaction of either outpatient setting and if there are different determinants of global satisfaction with regard to the outpatient settings. PATIENTS AND METHODS The survey comprises ambulatory operated cataract patients in Saxony between 2014 and 2015. A total of 4800 cataract patients sent back a standardized, written questionnaire. Regression analysis identified determinants of global patient satisfaction in both groups. RESULTS The most influencing parameters for the global satisfaction were satisfaction with the treatment outcome, atmosphere and facilities in the surgery or hospital as well as the staff's level of kindness. CONCLUSION Results of the conducted study show most identified determinants of patient satisfaction are associated with service variables, such as atmosphere and facilities in surgery or hospital and waiting time in surgery or hospital. These aspects should be focused on to improve patient satisfaction in cataract patients.
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11
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Greenhalgh J, Dalkin S, Gooding K, Gibbons E, Wright J, Meads D, Black N, Valderas JM, Pawson R. Functionality and feedback: a realist synthesis of the collation, interpretation and utilisation of patient-reported outcome measures data to improve patient care. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr05020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe feedback of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) data is intended to support the care of individual patients and to act as a quality improvement (QI) strategy.ObjectivesTo (1) identify the ideas and assumptions underlying how individual and aggregated PROMs data are intended to improve patient care, and (2) review the evidence to examine the circumstances in which and processes through which PROMs feedback improves patient care.DesignTwo separate but related realist syntheses: (1) feedback of aggregate PROMs and performance data to improve patient care, and (2) feedback of individual PROMs data to improve patient care.InterventionsAggregate – feedback and public reporting of PROMs, patient experience data and performance data to hospital providers and primary care organisations. Individual – feedback of PROMs in oncology, palliative care and the care of people with mental health problems in primary and secondary care settings.Main outcome measuresAggregate – providers’ responses, attitudes and experiences of using PROMs and performance data to improve patient care. Individual – providers’ and patients’ experiences of using PROMs data to raise issues with clinicians, change clinicians’ communication practices, change patient management and improve patient well-being.Data sourcesSearches of electronic databases and forwards and backwards citation tracking.Review methodsRealist synthesis to identify, test and refine programme theories about when, how and why PROMs feedback leads to improvements in patient care.ResultsProviders were more likely to take steps to improve patient care in response to the feedback and public reporting of aggregate PROMs and performance data if they perceived that these data were credible, were aimed at improving patient care, and were timely and provided a clear indication of the source of the problem. However, implementing substantial and sustainable improvement to patient care required system-wide approaches. In the care of individual patients, PROMs function more as a tool to support patients in raising issues with clinicians than they do in substantially changing clinicians’ communication practices with patients. Patients valued both standardised and individualised PROMs as a tool to raise issues, but thought is required as to which patients may benefit and which may not. In settings such as palliative care and psychotherapy, clinicians viewed individualised PROMs as useful to build rapport and support the therapeutic process. PROMs feedback did not substantially shift clinicians’ communication practices or focus discussion on psychosocial issues; this required a shift in clinicians’ perceptions of their remit.Strengths and limitationsThere was a paucity of research examining the feedback of aggregate PROMs data to providers, and we drew on evidence from interventions with similar programme theories (other forms of performance data) to test our theories.ConclusionsPROMs data act as ‘tin openers’ rather than ‘dials’. Providers need more support and guidance on how to collect their own internal data, how to rule out alternative explanations for their outlier status and how to explore the possible causes of their outlier status. There is also tension between PROMs as a QI strategy versus their use in the care of individual patients; PROMs that clinicians find useful in assessing patients, such as individualised measures, are not useful as indicators of service quality.Future workFuture research should (1) explore how differently performing providers have responded to aggregate PROMs feedback, and how organisations have collected PROMs data both for individual patient care and to improve service quality; and (2) explore whether or not and how incorporating PROMs into patients’ electronic records allows multiple different clinicians to receive PROMs feedback, discuss it with patients and act on the data to improve patient care.Study registrationThis study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42013005938.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Greenhalgh
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sonia Dalkin
- Department of Public Health, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kate Gooding
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Elizabeth Gibbons
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Judy Wright
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - David Meads
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Nick Black
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Ray Pawson
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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12
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Coronini-Cronberg S. The cataract surgery access debate: why variation may be a good thing. Eye (Lond) 2016; 30:331-2. [PMID: 26795409 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2015.272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S Coronini-Cronberg
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Corporate Centre Medical, Bupa, London, UK
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13
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related cataract accounts for more than 40% of cases of blindness in the world with the majority of people who are blind from cataract living in lower income countries. With the increased number of people with cataract, it is important to review the evidence on the effectiveness of day care cataract surgery. OBJECTIVES To provide authoritative, reliable evidence regarding the safety, feasibility, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of day case cataract extraction by comparing clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness, patient satisfaction or a combination of these in cataract operations performed in day care versus in-patient units. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (2015, Issue 7), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE (January 1946 to August 2015), EMBASE (January 1980 to August 2015), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS) (January 1982 to August 2015), the ISRCTN registry (www.isrctn.com/editAdvancedSearch), ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 17 August 2015. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials comparing day care and in-patient surgery for age-related cataract. The primary outcome was the achievement of a satisfactory visual acuity six weeks after the operation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information. We collected adverse effects information from the trials. MAIN RESULTS We included two trials. One study was conducted in the USA in 1981 (250 people randomised and completed trial) and one study conducted in Spain in 2001 (1034 randomised, 935 completed trial). Both trials used extracapsular cataract extraction techniques that are not commonly used in higher income countries now. Most of the data in this review came from the larger trial, which we judged to be at low risk of bias.The mean change in visual acuity (in Snellen lines) of the operated eye four months postoperatively was similar in people given day care surgery (mean 4.1 lines standard deviation (SD) 2.3, 464 participants) compared to people treated as in-patients (mean 4.1 lines, SD 2.2, 471 participants) (P value = 0.74). No data were available from either study on intra-operative complications.Wound leakage, intraocular pressure (IOP) and corneal oedema were reported in the first day postoperatively and at four months after surgery. There was an increased risk of high IOP in the day care group in the first day after surgery (risk ratio (RR) 3.33, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.21 to 9.16, 935 participants) but not at four months (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.14 to 2.55, 935 participants). The findings for the other outcomes were inconclusive with wide CIs. There were two cases of endophthalmitis observed at four months in the day care group and none in the in-patient group. The smaller study stated that there were no infections or severe hyphaemas.In a subset of participants evaluated for quality of life (VF14 questionnaire) similar change in quality of life before and four months after surgery was observed (mean change in VF14 score: day care group 25.2, SD 21.2, 150 participants; in-patient group: 23.5, SD 25.7, 155 participants; P value = 0.30). Subjective assessment of patient satisfaction in the smaller study suggested that participants preferred to recuperate at home, were more comfortable in their familiar surroundings and enjoyed the family support that they received at home. Costs were 20% more for the in-patient group and this was attributed to higher costs for overnight stay. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review provides evidence that there is cost saving with day care cataract surgery compared to in-patient cataract surgery. Although effects on visual acuity and quality of life appeared similar, the evidence with respect to postoperative complications was inconclusive because the effect estimates were imprecise. Given the wide-spread adoption of day care cataract surgery, future research in cataract clinical pathways should focus on evidence provided by high quality clinical databases (registers), which would enable clinicians and healthcare planners to agree clinical and social indications for in-patient care and so make better use of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lawrence
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical MedicineKeppel StreetLondonUKWC1E 7HT
| | | | - Esther J van Zuuren
- Leiden University Medical CenterDepartment of DermatologyPO Box 9600B1‐QLeidenNetherlands2300 RC
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Frampton G, Harris P, Cooper K, Lotery A, Shepherd J. The clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of second-eye cataract surgery: a systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess 2015; 18:1-205, v-vi. [PMID: 25405576 DOI: 10.3310/hta18680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elective cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the NHS. In bilateral cataracts, the eye with greatest vision impairment from cataract is operated on first. First-eye surgery can improve vision and quality of life. However, it is unclear whether or not cataract surgery on the second eye provides enough incremental benefit to be considered clinically effective and cost-effective. OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review of clinical effectiveness and analysis of cost-effectiveness of second-eye cataract surgery in England and Wales, based on an economic model informed by systematic reviews of cost-effectiveness and quality of life. DATA SOURCES Twelve electronic bibliographic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library and the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination databases were searched from database inception to April 2013, with searches updated in July 2013. Reference lists of relevant publications were also checked and experts consulted. REVIEW METHODS Two reviewers independently screened references, extracted and checked data from the included studies and appraised their risk of bias. Based on the review of cost-effectiveness, a de novo economic model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of second-eye surgery in bilateral cataract patients. The model is based on changes in quality of life following second-eye surgery and includes post-surgical complications. RESULTS Three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of clinical effectiveness, three studies of cost-effectiveness and 10 studies of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) met the inclusion criteria for the systematic reviews and, where possible, were used to inform the economic analysis. Heterogeneity of studies precluded meta-analyses, and instead data were synthesised narratively. The RCTs assessed visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, stereopsis and several measures of HRQoL. Improvements in binocular visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were small and unlikely to be of clinical significance, but stereopsis was improved to a clinically meaningful extent following second-eye surgery. Studies did not provide evidence that second-eye surgery significantly affected HRQoL, apart from an improvement in the mental health component of HRQoL in one RCT. In the model, second-eye surgery generated 0.68 incremental quality-adjusted life-years with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £1964. Model results were most sensitive to changes in the utility gain associated with second-eye surgery, but otherwise robust to changes in parameter values. The probability that second-eye surgery is cost-effective at willingness-to-pay thresholds of £10,000 and £20,000 is 100%. LIMITATIONS Clinical effectiveness studies were all conducted more than 9 years ago. Patients had good vision pre surgery which may not represent all patients eligible for second-eye surgery. For some vision-related patient-reported outcomes and HRQoL measures, thresholds for determining important clinical effects are either unclear or have not been determined. CONCLUSIONS Second-eye cataract surgery is generally cost-effective based on the best available data and under most assumptions. However, more up-to-date data are needed. A well-conducted RCT that reflects current populations and enables the estimation of health state utility values would be appropriate. Guidance is required on which vision-related, patient-reported outcomes are suitable for assessing effects of cataract surgery in the NHS and how these measures should be interpreted clinically. STUDY REGISTRATION This project is registered as PROSPERO CRD42013004211. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoff Frampton
- Southampton Health Technology Assessments Centre (SHTAC), University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Petra Harris
- Southampton Health Technology Assessments Centre (SHTAC), University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Keith Cooper
- Southampton Health Technology Assessments Centre (SHTAC), University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Andrew Lotery
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jonathan Shepherd
- Southampton Health Technology Assessments Centre (SHTAC), University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Hollingworth W, Rooshenas L, Busby J, Hine CE, Badrinath P, Whiting PF, Moore THM, Owen-Smith A, Sterne JAC, Jones HE, Beynon C, Donovan JL. Using clinical practice variations as a method for commissioners and clinicians to identify and prioritise opportunities for disinvestment in health care: a cross-sectional study, systematic reviews and qualitative study. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr03130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundNHS expenditure has stagnated since the economic crisis of 2007, resulting in financial pressures. One response is for policy-makers to regulate use of existing health-care technologies and disinvest from inefficiently used health technologies. A key challenge to disinvestment is to identify existing health technologies with uncertain cost-effectiveness.ObjectivesWe aimed to explore if geographical variation in procedure rates is a marker of clinical uncertainty and might be used by local commissioners to identify procedures that are potential candidates for disinvestment. We also explore obstacles and solutions to local commissioners achieving disinvestment, and patient and clinician perspectives on regulating access to procedures.MethodsWe used Hospital Episode Statistics to measure geographical variation in procedure rates from 2007/8 to 2011/12. Expected procedure numbers for each primary care trust (PCT) were calculated adjusting for proxies of need. Random effects Poisson regression quantified the residual inter-PCT procedure rate variability. We benchmarked local procedure rates in two PCTs against national rates. We conducted rapid systematic reviews of two high-use procedures selected by the PCTs [carpal tunnel release (CTR) and laser capsulotomy], searching bibliographical databases to identify systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We conducted non-participant overt observations of commissioning meetings and semistructured interviews with stakeholders about disinvestment in general and with clinicians and patients about one disinvestment case study. Transcripts were analysed thematically using constant comparison methods derived from grounded theory.ResultsThere was large inter-PCT variability in procedure rates for many common NHS procedures. Variation in procedure rates was highest where the diffusion or discontinuance was rapidly evolving and where substitute procedures were available, suggesting that variation is a proxy for clinical uncertainty about appropriate use. In both PCTs we identified procedures where high local use might represent an opportunity for disinvestment. However, there were barriers to achieving disinvestment in both procedure case studies. RCTs comparing CTR with conservative care indicated that surgery was clinically effective and cost-effective on average but provided limited evidence on patient subgroups to inform commissioning criteria and achieve savings. We found no RCTs of laser capsulotomy. The apparently high rate of capsulotomy was probably due to the coding inaccuracy; some savings might be achieved by greater use of outpatient procedures. Commissioning meetings were dominated by new funding requests. Benchmarking did not appear to be routinely carried out because of capacity issues and concerns about data reliability. Perceived barriers to disinvestment included lack of collaboration, central support and tools for disinvestment. Clinicians felt threshold criteria had little impact on their practice and that prior approval systems would not be cost-effective. Most patients were unaware of rationing.ConclusionsPolicy-makers could use geographical variation as a starting point to identify procedures where health technology reassessment or RCTs might be needed to inform policy. Commissioners can use benchmarking to identify procedures with high local use, possibly indicating overtreatment. However, coding inconsistency and limited evidence are major barriers to achieving disinvestment through benchmarking. Increased central support for commissioners to tackle disinvestment is needed, including tools, accurate data and relevant evidence. Early engagement with patients and clinicians is essential for successful local disinvestment.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leila Rooshenas
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - John Busby
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | | | - Theresa HM Moore
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Amanda Owen-Smith
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan AC Sterne
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hayley E Jones
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Jenny L Donovan
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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[Clinical practice variation in cataract surgery]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 90:220-32. [PMID: 25475557 DOI: 10.1016/j.oftal.2014.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cataract surgery rates have dramatically increased in the last two decades. However, clinical practice variation in cataract surgery has not been thoroughly studied. The aim of this review is to analyze clinical practice variation, including the causes and consequences of this phenomenon. Then, its role in health care planning and health care quality is focused, emphasizing the importance of reducing it and providing several practical strategies to accomplish it. RECENT FINDINGS The latest researches are presented in this article. They identify the development and implementation of clinical practice guidelines as the best tool to standardize care processes. CONCLUSION Managing unwarranted or unwanted variation would improve quality of care and may lead to a significant saving in health care spending.
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Equal access, (Un)equal uptake: a longitudinal study of cataract surgery uptake in older people in England. BMC Health Serv Res 2014; 14:447. [PMID: 25269521 PMCID: PMC4263051 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Uptake of cataract removal is a function of the effectiveness of the healthcare delivery services: services that are inaccessible, inappropriate, or unaffordable will not be utilised by (sub)populations, who consequently live with untreated cataracts. The aim of the study was to identify the relationship between individual wealth inequalities and uptake of cataract surgery in England, having controlled for the effects of potentially confounding variables. Methods The final sample comprised of 2091 respondents from the English Longitudinal Study on Ageing (ELSA) who were diagnosed with cataracts prior to or during the study, aged 50 and over at wave 1, who had not undergone cataract surgery prior to the first survey observation, and had also provided a response in the second wave of the study. The uptake of cataract surgery was measured using the question, have you ever had cataract surgery? Data from waves 1-5 were used to identify those having received treatment during the 8-year observation window of ELSA. Survival analysis techniques were used. Results Having controlled for the effects of potentially confounding variables, wealth did not make a statistically significant contribution to the overall fit of the Cox proportional hazard model nor were individual parameters statistically significant. Thus, respondents’ socioeconomic position was not found to be a significant predictor in the uptake of cataract surgery in the UK. Receiving a recommendation from a medical professional was a key driving factors in the uptake of cataract surgery. Conclusions Study findings suggest that uptake of cataract surgery among over 50s with a cataracts diagnosis in England do not discriminate on the grounds of individuals’ material social position (wealth).
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Fraser ML, Meuleners LB, Lee AH, Ng JQ, Morlet N. Which visual measures affect change in driving difficulty after first eye cataract surgery? ACCIDENT; ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION 2013; 58:10-14. [PMID: 23689201 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2013.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2012] [Revised: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate self-reported driving difficulty before and after first eye cataract surgery and determine which visual measures are associated with changes in self-reported driving difficulty after surgery. METHODS A cohort of 99 older drivers with bilateral cataract were assessed the week before and 12 weeks after first eye cataract surgery. Visual measures including visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, stereopsis and useful field of view were assessed. Self-reported driving difficulty was measured via the Driving Habits Questionnaire. Cognitive status was assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination. Regression analysis was undertaken to determine the association between changes in visual measures and self-reported driving difficulty after first eye cataract surgery. RESULTS Overall, self-reported driving difficulty improved after first eye cataract surgery. However, 16% of participants did not improve and driving difficulty worsened in 11% following surgery. Improvement in driving difficulty score after first eye cataract surgery was associated with improved contrast sensitivity in the operated eye (p<0.001), new glasses after surgery (p<0.001), and fewer chronic health conditions (p=0.016). CONCLUSION Contrast sensitivity rather than visual acuity was a significant factor affecting change in self-reported driving difficulty after first eye cataract surgery for bilateral patients. This has implications for driver licensing authorities worldwide that rely heavily on visual acuity as a measure of visual fitness to drive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Fraser
- Curtin-Monash Accident Research Centre (C-MARC), School of Public Health, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia.
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Relationship between socioeconomic deprivation
or urban/rural residence and visual acuity before cataract surgery in Northern Scotland. Eur J Ophthalmol 2013; 23:831-5. [PMID: 23661537 DOI: 10.5301/ejo.5000302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the influence of socioeconomic factors on visual acuity before cataract surgery.
METHODS The medical case notes of 240 consecutive patients listed for cataract surgery from January 1, 2010, at Grampian University Hospital, Aberdeen, were reviewed retrospectively. Patients with ocular comorbidity were excluded. Demographics, postal codes, and visual acuity were recorded. Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation was used to determine the deprivation rank. Home location was classified as urban or rural. The effect of these parameters on preoperative visual acuity was investigated using chi-square tests or Fisher exact test as appropriate.
RESULTS A total of 184 patients (mean 75 years) were included. A total of 127 (69%) patients had visual acuity of 6/12 or better. An association was found between affluence and preoperative visual acuity of 6/12 or better (χ2trend = 4.97, p = 0.03), with a significant rising trend across quintile of deprivation. There was no evidence to suggest association between geographical region and preoperative visual acuity (p = 0.63).
CONCLUSION Affluence was associated with good visual acuity (6/12 or better) before cataract surgery. There was no difference in preoperative visual acuity between rural and urban populations.
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Measuring change in health care equity using small-area administrative data – Evidence from the English NHS 2001–2008. Soc Sci Med 2012; 75:1514-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2012.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Coronini-Cronberg S, Lee H, Darzi A, Smith P. Evaluation of clinical threshold policies for cataract surgery among English commissioners. J Health Serv Res Policy 2012; 17:241-7. [PMID: 22969092 DOI: 10.1258/jhsrp.2012.012023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To ascertain if access to cataract surgery is being restricted in England and to describe any explicit threshold criteria. METHODS A survey of 151 local commissioners to explore their cataract surgery policy. A literature review identified research evidence about thresholds for cataract surgery. A checklist was devised and applied to the policies supplied by commissioners. RESULTS Almost half (71/151) of commissioners were restricting access to surgery and this included patients with some capacity to benefit. There was wide variation in the scope and content of the 67 policies which were available for review. Almost all (92%) commissioners use criteria that do not reflect guidance or research evidence. CONCLUSIONS Patients who could benefit from cataract surgery are being excluded by some commissioners. Variations in policy between commissioners results in inequalities in access.
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Qi HP, Wei SQ, Zhang LQ, Gao XC, Yu NN, Bi S, Cui H. Preventive effect of danshensu on selenite-induced cataractogenesis in cultured rat lens. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2012; 41:172-9. [PMID: 22712555 DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2012.02837.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the preventive effect of danshensu on the selenite-induced opacification of cultured rat lenses. METHODS Isolated lens were divided into three groups with eight lenses in each group. Group I: lenses were incubated with M199 medium alone; Group II: incubated in M199 containing 200 µmol/L sodium selenite; Group III: incubated in M199 containing 200 µmol/L sodium selenite and 500 µmol/L danshensu. Selenite was administered on the third day, and danshensu treatment was from the second to the fifth day. Cataracts development was observed using an inverted microscope, and the lenses were analysed for total anti-oxidative capabilities, mean activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase; levels of reduced glutathione; malondialdehyde; and total sulfhydryl content. RESULTS All lenses in Group I were clear, whereas all lenses in Group II developed dense vacuolization and opacification. In Group III, 25% lenses revealed minimal vacuolization, and 75% showed no opacification or vacuolization. Total anti-oxidative capabilities and the mean activities of anti-oxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase; levels of glutathione; and total sulfhydryl content were elevated, and the level of malondialdehyde was decreased following treatment with danshensu compared with Group II. CONCLUSION The anti-oxidative properties of danshensu may play a major role in its contribution to the anticataract effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ping Qi
- Departments of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Davis JC, McNeill H, Wasdell M, Chunick S, Bryan S. Focussing both eyes on health outcomes: revisiting cataract surgery. BMC Geriatr 2012; 12:50. [PMID: 22943071 PMCID: PMC3497611 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-12-50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The appropriateness of cataract surgery procedures has been questioned, the suggestion being that the surgery is sometimes undertaken too early in the disease progression. Our three study questions were: What is the level of visual impairment in patients scheduled for cataract surgery? What is the improvement following surgery? Given the thresholds for a minimal detectable change (MDC) and a minimal clinically important difference (MCID), do gains in visual function reach the MDC and MCID thresholds? Methods The sample included a prospective cohort of cataract surgery patients from four Fraser Health Authority ophthalmologists. Visual function (VF-14) was assessed pre-operatively and at seven weeks post-operatively. Two groups from this cohort were included in this analysis: ‘all first eyes’ (cataract extraction on first eye) and ‘both eyes’ (cataract removed from both eyes). Descriptive statistics, change scores for VF-14 for each eye group and proportion of patients who reach the MDC and MCID are reported. Results One hundred and forty-two patients are included in the ‘all first eyes’ analyses and 55 in the ‘both eyes’ analyses. The mean pre-operative VF-14 score for the ‘all first eyes’ group was 86.7 (on a 0–100 scale where 100 is full visual function). The mean change in VF-14 for the 'both eyes' group was 7.5. Twenty-three percent of patients achieved improvements in visual function beyond the MCID threshold and 35% saw improvement beyond the MDC. Conclusions Neither threshold level for MDC or MCID for the VF-14 scale was achieved for a majority of patients. A plausible explanation for this is the very high levels of pre-operative visual functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Davis
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Evaluation, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.
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Bozzani FM, Alavi Y, Jofre-Bonet M, Kuper H. A comparison of the sensitivity of EQ-5D, SF-6D and TTO utility values to changes in vision and perceived visual function in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. BMC Ophthalmol 2012; 12:43. [PMID: 22909264 PMCID: PMC3552875 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2415-12-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Economic viability of treatments for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) should be assessed objectively to prioritise health care interventions. This study aims to identify the methods for eliciting utility values (UVs) most sensitive to differences in visual field and visual functioning in patients with POAG. As a secondary objective, the dimensions of generic health-related and vision-related quality of life most affected by progressive vision loss will be identified. Methods A total of 132 POAG patients were recruited. Three sets of utility values (EuroQoL EQ-5D, Short Form SF-6D, Time Trade Off) and a measure of perceived visual functioning from the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) were elicited during face-to-face interviews. The sensitivity of UVs to differences in the binocular visual field, visual acuity and visual functioning measures was analysed using non-parametric statistical methods. Results Median utilities were similar across Integrated Visual Field score quartiles for EQ-5D (P = 0.08) whereas SF-6D and Time-Trade-Off UVs significantly decreased (p = 0.01 and p = 0.001, respectively). The VFQ-25 score varied across Integrated Visual Field and binocular visual acuity groups and was associated with all three UVs (P ≤ 0.001); most of its vision-specific sub-scales were associated with the vision markers. The most affected dimension was driving. A relationship with vision markers was found for the physical component of SF-36 and not for any dimension of EQ-5D. Conclusions The Time-Trade-Off was more sensitive than EQ-5D and SF-6D to changes in vision and visual functioning associated with glaucoma progression but could not measure quality of life changes in the mildest disease stages.
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Kuoppala J, Falck A, Winblad I, Tuulonen A. The Pyhäjärvi Cataract Study II. Criteria for cataract surgery. Acta Ophthalmol 2012; 90:327-33. [PMID: 20560893 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2010.01935.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE It is necessary to develop tools for patient selection to target cataract surgery to patients with the best expected outcomes. We used visual acuity, visual functioning 14 (VF-14) test, the 15-dimension health-related quality-of-life questionnaire (15D) and the New Zealand priority criteria to evaluate the criteria for cataract surgery in a post hoc setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ninety-three consecutive patients living in a defined rural area in Finland had cataract surgery as a part of the Pyhäjärvi Cataract Study in 2003. Success of cataract surgery was defined as improvement of visual acuity by at least 2 lines and/or improvement of visual function measured by questionnaires. RESULTS The patients with a visual acuity of 0.30 logMAR (0.5 Snellen decimal) or worse in the better eye and/or 0.52 logMAR (0.3 Snellen decimal) in the worse eye had successful surgery in 59-83% of cases depending on the definition of success. When subjective judgement was added, the success rates varied between 63% and 91%. CONCLUSION Setting indication criteria, it seems sufficient to use two global questions in addition to visual acuity: one on the subjective view on disability, and one on a more neutral view on visual function, such as the 15D item on vision. The VF-14 did not perform any better than the single item counterparts.
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Tosh J, Brazier J, Evans P, Longworth L. A review of generic preference-based measures of health-related quality of life in visual disorders. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2012; 15:118-27. [PMID: 22264979 PMCID: PMC3268858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2011.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This review examines generic preference-based measures and their ability to reflect health-related quality of life in patients with visual disorders. METHODS A systematic search was undertaken to identify clinical studies of patients with visual disorders where health state utility values were measured and reported. Data were extracted to assess the validity and responsiveness of the measures. A narrative synthesis of the data was undertaken due to the heterogeneity between different studies. RESULTS There was considerable heterogeneity in the 31 studies identified in terms of patient characteristics, visual disorders, and outcomes reported. Vision loss was associated with a reduction in scores across the preference-based measure, but the evidence on validity and responsiveness was mixed. The EQ-5D health-related assessment instrument's performance differed according to condition, with poor performance in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. The more limited evidence on the HUI-3 instrument found it performed best in differentiating between severity groups of patients with glaucoma, AMD, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. One study reported data on the SF-6D instrument and showed it was able to differentiate between patients with AMD. CONCLUSIONS The performance of the EQ-5D in visual disorders was mixed. The HUI-3 seemed to perform better in some conditions, but the evidence on this and SF-6D is limited. More head to head comparisons of these three measures are required. The new five-level version of EQ-5D may do better at the milder end of visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Tosh
- Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK.
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Quintana JM, Aguirre U, Las-Hayas C, Gonzalez N, Garcia S, Escobar A. Use of the patient acceptable symptom state and the minimal clinically important difference to evaluate the outcomes of cataract extraction. Am J Ophthalmol 2011; 152:234-243.e3. [PMID: 21683328 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2011.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2010] [Revised: 01/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the minimal clinically important difference and the patient acceptable symptom state for visual acuity and visual function, 2 key visual outcomes for patients undergoing cataract extraction, as an aid for evaluating the outcome of cataract extraction. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. METHODS SETTING Multicenter study of 17 hospitals. PATIENTS A total of 4335 consecutive patients advised to undergo cataract extraction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Sociodemographic and clinical data, including visual acuity (VA), patient satisfaction, and responses to the Visual Function Index 14 (VF-14) and transitional questions were collected before and after cataract extraction. The patient acceptable symptom state and minimal clinically important difference were estimated for the entire sample and for subgroups by preintervention status and presence of ocular comorbidities. RESULTS Among patients with simple cataract, postintervention patient acceptable symptom state values for VA ranged from 0.67 to 0.80, depending on preintervention VA, while VF-14 scores ranged from 88 to 90. For patients with any additional ocular comorbidity, VA ranged from 0.63 to 0.75, depending on preintervention VA, while VF-14 scores ranged from 86 to 92. For the entire sample, postintervention patient acceptable symptom state values were 0.75 for VA and 86.1 for VF-14 scores. Minimal clinically important difference for patients who reported being a little better ranged from 0.17 to 0.5 in VA and 0.41 to 37.46 in VF-14 scores, depending on preintervention status and presence of ocular comorbidities. CONCLUSION The minimal clinically important difference and patient acceptable symptom state values are complementary parameters that may help in the clinical decision-making process by providing more meaningful estimates of the impact of cataract extraction on 2 important outcomes, visual acuity and visual function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Quintana
- Research Unit, Hospital Galdakao-Usansolo - CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Galdakao, Vizcaya, Spain.
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Fedorowicz Z, Lawrence D, Gutierrez P, van Zuuren EJ. Day care versus in-patient surgery for age-related cataract. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011:CD004242. [PMID: 21735397 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd004242.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related cataract accounts for more than 40% of cases of blindness in the world with the majority of people who are blind from cataract found in the developing world. With the increased number of people with cataract there is an urgent need for cataract surgery to be made available as a day care procedure. OBJECTIVES To provide reliable evidence for the safety, feasibility, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of cataract extraction performed as day care versus in-patient procedure. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 5), MEDLINE (January 1950 to May 2011), EMBASE (January 1980 to May 2011), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS) (January 1982 to May 2011), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com) and ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov). There were no date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. The electronic databases were last searched on 23 May 2011. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials comparing day care and in-patient surgery for age-related cataract. The primary outcome was the achievement of a satisfactory visual acuity six weeks after the operation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information. Adverse effects information was collected from the trials. MAIN RESULTS We included two trials (conducted in Spain and USA), involving 1284 people. One trial reported statistically significant differences in early postoperative complication rates in the day care group, with an increased risk of increased intraocular pressure, which had no clinical relevance to visual outcomes four months postoperatively. The mean change in visual acuity (Snellen lines) of the operated eye four months postoperatively was 4.1 (standard deviation (SD) 2.3) for the day care group and 4.1 (SD 2.2) for the in-patient group and not statistically significant. The four-month postoperative mean change in quality of life score measured using the VF14 showed minimal differences between the two groups. Costs were 20% more for the in-patient group and this was attributed to higher costs for overnight stay. One study only reported hotel costs for the non-hospitalised participants making aggregation of data on costs impossible. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review provides some evidence that there is a cost saving but no significant difference in outcome or risk of postoperative complications between day care and in-patient cataract surgery. This is based on one detailed and methodologically sound trial conducted in the developed world. The success, safety and cost-effectiveness of cataract surgery as a day care procedure appear to be acceptable. Future research may well focus on evidence provided by high quality clinical databases and registers which would enable clinicians and healthcare planners to agree clinical and social indications for in-patient care and so make better use of resources, by selecting day case surgery unless these criteria are met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbys Fedorowicz
- UKCC (Bahrain Branch), Ministry of Health, Bahrain, Box 25438, Awali, Bahrain
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Weale M. A cost-benefit analysis of cataract surgery based on the English Longitudinal Survey of Ageing. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2011; 30:730-739. [PMID: 21723632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2009] [Revised: 03/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This paper uses the English Longitudinal Survey of Ageing to explore the self-reported effect of cataract operations on eye-sight. A non-parametric analysis shows clearly that most cataract patients report improved eye-sight after surgery and a parametric analysis provides further information: it shows that the beneficial effect is larger the worse was self-reported eye-sight preceding surgery so that those with very good or excellent eye-sight do not derive immediate benefit. Nevertheless, the long-run effect is suggested to be beneficial. Calibrating the results to existing studies of the effect of imperfect eye-sight on quality of life, the impact of cataract operations on Quality Adjusted Life Years is found to be similar to that established in previous studies and well above the costs of cataract operations in most circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Weale
- National Institute of Economic and Social Research, 2, Dean Trench Street, London SW1P 3HE, UK.
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Charalampidou S, Nolan J, Loughman J, Stack J, Higgins G, Cassidy L, Beatty S. Psychophysical impact and optical and morphological characteristics of symptomatic non-advanced cataract. Eye (Lond) 2011; 25:1147-54. [PMID: 21660066 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2011.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether psychophysical, morphological, and/or optical characteristics of symptomatic non-advanced cataract are complementary to, or more appropriate than, visual acuity (VA) for the purposes of recording visual data that reflect subjective visual difficulty in patients with cataract that exhibit relative sparing of high contrast acuity (0.4 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) scale or better). METHODS Eighty-two patients with symptomatic non-advanced cataract and no other ocular pathology were asked to complete a validated questionnaire, and to perform a series of visual function assessments including: corrected distance VA (CDVA); photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity; photopic and mesopic glare disability (GD); reading acuity and reading speed; stereoacuity; and retinal sensitivity. Optical and morphological characteristics of the cataract were evaluated by lens optical density and by the Lens Opacities Classification System III, respectively. Correlations between questionnaire score and each of these measures were calculated. RESULTS Statistically significant negative correlations were observed between the Rasch-scaled questionnaire score and mesopic GD (at 3 and 6 cycles per degree (cpd); r=-0.396 (P<0.01) and -0.451 (P<0.05), respectively) and between the Rasch-scaled questionnaire score and photopic GD (at 3 and 6 cpd; r=-0.328 (P<0.01) and -0.440 (P<0.01), respectively). CONCLUSION Symptomatic non-advanced cataract, in the presence of good CDVA, is associated with measurable subjective visual difficulty, best reflected in a decrease in mesopic and photopic GD (at medium spatial frequencies). CDVA does not reflect the patient's visual dissatisfaction in such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Charalampidou
- Institute of Eye Surgery, Whitfield Clinic, Waterford, Ireland.
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Weingessel B, Richter-Mueksch S, Vécsei-Marlovits PV. Which factors influence patients' maximum acceptable waiting time for cataract surgery? - a questionnaire survey. Acta Ophthalmol 2011; 89:e231-6. [PMID: 20529078 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2010.01938.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate patients’ maximum acceptable waiting time (MAWT) and to assess the determinants of patient perceptions of MAWT. METHODS A total of 500 consecutive patients with cataract were asked to fill out a preoperative questionnaire, addressing patients’ MAWT to undergo cataract surgery. Patients’ visual impairment (VF-14 score), education, profession and social status were evaluated, and an ophthalmologic examination was performed. Univariate analysis included Spearman’s correlation test, unpaired Student’s t-test and the Mann–Whitney U test. Univariate and multivariate associations were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. RESULTS The mean MAWT was 3.17 ± 2.12 months. The mean VF-14 score was 72.10 ± 22.54. Between VF-14 score and MAWT, there was a significant correlation (r = 0.180, p = 0.004). Patients with higher education (high school, university) accepted significantly longer MAWT (3.92 ± 2.38 months versus 3.02 ± 2.00 months, p = 0.009). Patients who had self-noticed visual impairment were nearly four times (OR: 3.88, 95% CI = 2.07–7.28, p < 0.001) more likely to accept only MAWT of <3 months. CONCLUSIONS Patients with low tolerance for waiting had greater self-reported difficulty with vision. Patients’ acceptance of waiting was not associated with clinical visual acuity measures. Education, ability to work, living independently and taking care of dependents were also strong predictors from patients’ perspective. Considering the implementation of standards for waiting lists, these facts should be taken into account.
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Las Hayas C, Quintana JM, Bilbao A, Garcia S, Lafuente I. Visual acuity level, ocular morbidity, and the better seeing eye affect sensitivity and responsiveness of the visual function index. Ophthalmology 2011; 118:1303-9. [PMID: 21376399 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2010.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Revised: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 11/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the relation between Visual Function Index-14 (VF-14) scores and VA by accounting for concurrent ocular comorbidities, effect of the better seeing eye (BSE), and VA before and after cataract surgery. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS A total of 4335 patients with cataract who completed the VF-14 before and after cataract surgery. METHODS Collaborating clinicians provided demographic and clinical data before and after cataract surgery. Lowess curves, general linear models, and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to study the relation between the VF-14 and the VA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Scores in the VF-14 preintervention, change in VF-14 after surgery, VA before surgery, and VA change after surgery. RESULTS General linear models and Spearman correlation coefficients showed a significant (P < 0.0001) association between VF-14 score and VA (measured in decimal fraction) when the preoperative VA was ≤0.5 (20/40) and no association (P > 0.4020) when the VA was >0.5 (20/40). Small VA gains (≤0.5) after surgery only led to significant gains (P < 0.0001) in functionality in patients with other ocular pathologies and whose BSE was the surgical eye. Gains in VA >0.5 had a significant (P < 0.02) effect on VF-14 change scores in most patients. CONCLUSIONS The VF-14 seems to be more sensitive when the preoperative VA is <0.5 (20/40), especially in patients whose BSE is the surgical eye. The VF-14 seems responsive to increases in VA if the gains exceed 0.5. For gains <0.5, the VF-14 seems unresponsive, except for patients with other ocular pathologies in whom the BSE before and after surgery is the surgical eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Las Hayas
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health, Hospital Galdakao-Usansolo, Galdakao, Bizkaia, Spain.
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McClimans LM, Browne J. Choosing a patient-reported outcome measure. THEORETICAL MEDICINE AND BIOETHICS 2011; 32:47-60. [PMID: 21110121 DOI: 10.1007/s11017-010-9163-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
There has been much philosophical interest regarding the 'hierarchy of evidence' used to determine which study designs are of most value for reporting on questions of effectiveness, prognosis, and so on. There has been much less philosophical interest in the choice of outcome measures with which the results of, say, an RCT or a cohort study are presented. In this paper, we examine the FDA's recently published guidelines for assessing the psychometric adequacy of patient-reported outcome measures. We focus on their recommendations for demonstrating content validity and also for how researchers should weigh up the sum of psychometric evidence when choosing these measures. We argue that questions regarding judgment and understanding meaning of these measures should play a more central role in determining their adequacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M McClimans
- Department of Philosophy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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Devlin NJ, Parkin D, Browne J. Patient-reported outcome measures in the NHS: new methods for analysing and reporting EQ-5D data. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2010; 19:886-905. [PMID: 20623685 DOI: 10.1002/hec.1608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In a landmark move, the UK Department of Health (DH) has introduced the routine collection of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to measure the performance of health-care providers. From April 2009, generic (EQ-5D) and condition-specific PROMs are being collected from patients before and after four surgical procedures; eventually this will be extended to include a wide range of other NHS services. The aim of this article is to report analysis of the EQ-5D data generated from a pilot study commissioned by the DH and to consider the implications for the use of EQ-5D data in performance indicators and measures of patient benefit. We present two new methods that we have developed for analysing and displaying EQ-5D profile data: a Paretian Classification of Health Change and a health profile grid. We show that EQ-5D profile data can be readily analysed to generate insights into the nature of changes in patient-reported health that would be obscured by summarising these profiles by their index scores, or focusing just on the post operative outcomes. Our methods indicate differences between providers and between sub-groups of patients. Our results also show striking differences in changes in EQ-5D profiles between surgical procedures, which require further investigation.
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McClimans L. A theoretical framework for patient-reported outcome measures. THEORETICAL MEDICINE AND BIOETHICS 2010; 31:225-240. [PMID: 20526684 DOI: 10.1007/s11017-010-9142-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are increasingly used to assess multiple facets of healthcare, including effectiveness, side effects of treatment, symptoms, health care needs, quality of care, and the evaluation of health care options. There are thousands of these measures and yet there is very little discussion of their theoretical underpinnings. In her 2008 Presidential address to the Society for Quality of Life Research (ISOQoL), Professor Donna Lamping challenged researchers to grapple with the theoretical issues that arise from these measures. In this paper, I attempt to do so by arguing for an analogy between PROMs and Hans-Georg Gadamer's logic of question and answer. While researchers readily admit that the constructs involved in PROMs are imperfectly understood and lack a gold standard, they often ignore the consequences of this fact. Gadamer's work on questions and their importance to philosophical hermeneutics helps to show that the questions researchers ask about such constructs are also imperfectly understood. I argue that these questions should not be standardized, and I instead propose a theoretical framework that understands PROMs as posing genuine questions to respondents--questions that are open to reinterpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah McClimans
- Department of Philosophy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
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Lansingh VC, Resnikoff S, Tingley-Kelley K, Nano ME, Martens M, Silva JC, Duerksen R, Carter MJ. Cataract surgery rates in latin america: a four-year longitudinal study of 19 countries. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2010; 17:75-81. [PMID: 20302429 DOI: 10.3109/09286581003624962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To collect cataract surgery rates data in 19 Latin American countries over a 4-year period as data published to date have been limited. METHODS Cataract surgery rates were obtained from National Society of Ophthalmology, National VISION 2020/Prevention of Blindness Committee and Ministry of Health representatives for each country for 2005 to 2008. Economic (gross national income per capita) and other data were collected from publicly available databases. Linear and power correlations between gross national incomes and cataract surgery rates were calculated. RESULTS Over the study period, most countries increased their cataract surgery rates, with the largest increases observed for Venezuela (186%), Nicaragua (183%), Costa Rica (100%), Uruguay (97%), and Peru (88%). Mean cataract surgery rates for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 for the ensemble of countries were 1545, 1684, 1660, and 1822 per million population, respectively, with a growth over the study period of 17.9%, concurrent with an increase of 57 million (11.5%) in the population. A good correlation between cataract surgery rate and gross national income per capita was found (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Although progress is being made in the region, the cataract surgery rates represent only one parameter. When they are examined in the context of cataract surgical coverage it is clear that substantial proportions of bilaterally blind persons are still not receiving surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van C Lansingh
- Fundacion Vision, Asuncion, Paraguay, Fundacion Hugo Nano, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness/VISION 2020 LA office, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Quintana JM, Arostegui I, Alberdi T, Escobar A, Perea E, Navarro G, Elizalde B, Andradas E. Decision trees for indication of cataract surgery based on changes in visual acuity. Ophthalmology 2010; 117:1471-8, 1478.e1-3. [PMID: 20416951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2009.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2009] [Revised: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 12/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop decision trees based on prospectively collected data for determining the appropriateness of cataract extraction. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study. PARTICIPANTS Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of cataract who are on waiting lists to undergo cataract extraction by phacoemulsification. METHODS Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 independent cohorts: The derivation cohort included 3691 patients, and the validation cohort included 2416 patients. Sociodemographic and clinical data, including visual acuity (VA) and the Visual Function Index 14 (VF-14), were collected before and after cataract extraction. Univariate and multivariate linear regression, and regression trees analysis were performed in the derivation cohort. Decision trees obtained in the derivation cohort were validated in the validation cohort. Final results were divided into appropriate or inappropriate indications and compared with a previously established benchmark of desirable VA and VF-14 gain in relation to preintervention VA classes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Preintervention VA and changes 6 weeks after the intervention. RESULTS Among patients with simple cataract, predictors of significant improvement in VA after cataract extraction were preintervention VA and negative surgical complexity. Among patients with cataract and other ocular comorbidity, preintervention visual function and expected postintervention VA also predicted change in VA. When compared with a benchmark based on the minimal clinically important difference in VA after cataract extraction, sensitivity for the decision trees was 83% for both diagnostic groups and specificities ranged from 36.2 to 54.8. CONCLUSIONS A simple decision tree based on changes in VA can help identify appropriate patients for cataract extraction and be used to evaluate clinical practice or for quality control.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Quintana
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Galdakao-Usansolo-CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Galdakao, Vizcaya, Spain.
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Las Hayas C, González N, Aguirre U, Blasco JA, Elizalde B, Perea E, Escobar A, Navarro G, Castells X, Quintana JM. Can an appropriateness evaluation tool be used to prioritize patients on a waiting list for cataract extraction? Health Policy 2009; 95:194-203. [PMID: 20031251 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2009.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Revised: 11/23/2009] [Accepted: 11/25/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether a system originally developed to ascertain the appropriateness of cataract intervention may also be used to prioritize patients on cataract extraction waiting lists. METHODS The IRYSS-appropriateness of indication for cataract surgery tool and the IRYSS-Cataract Priority Score were applied to a sample of 5448 patients consecutively placed on waiting lists for cataract surgery. Clinical data were gathered by ophthalmologists, and patients self-completed the Visual Function Index-14. The general linear model (GLM) was used to assign scores to the categories of the appropriateness and priority criteria. The relationship between both systems was evaluated by correlating scores. To assess the validity of the new appropriateness and priority scores, correlations with visual acuity (VA) and visual function were calculated. RESULTS The GLM method generated highly similar scores for both appropriateness and prioritization systems. The correlation between scores was very strong (r=0.96). The appropriateness scoring system correlated 0.29 with VA and 0.21 with gain in visual function. The priority system correlated -0.54 with VA and -0.28 with preintervention visual function. CONCLUSIONS The new appropriateness scoring system strongly correlates with the priority scoring system. This easy-to-use appropriateness rating could serve as a tool for simultaneously assessing the appropriateness of cataract surgery and assigning priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Las Hayas
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Galdakao-Usansolo Galdakao, Bizkaia, Spain.
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Optimising waiting: a view from the English National Health Service. HEALTH ECONOMICS POLICY AND LAW 2009; 5:397-409. [PMID: 20025834 DOI: 10.1017/s1744133109990302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Recent authors have proposed that waiting times for elective treatment should be reduced to the point where the costs of doing so exceed the benefits. This paper considers how this criterion could be put into effect. Taking benefits first it argues that these could be estimated in three different ways - social cost benefit, clinical and user valuation - that would not necessarily produce consistent results and hence a choice has to be made between them. It then considers the costs of reducing waits and argues, citing relevant evidence, that these may range widely according to whether or not reductions can be achieved through simple management measures or whether more long-term capacity is required. It concludes therefore that the apparently simple criterion proposed for defining the point where waiting times are optimal is hard to establish. Choice of criterion must be made in the light of the overall values that a given health care system is intended to promote.
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Second-eye cataract surgery in elderly women: a cost-utility analysis conducted alongside a randomized controlled trial. Eye (Lond) 2009; 24:276-83. [PMID: 19444295 DOI: 10.1038/eye.2009.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of second-eye cataract surgery for older women with minimal visual dysfunction in the eye to be operated on from a Health and Personal Social Services perspective, compared to waiting list controls who had already undergone first-eye cataract surgery. METHODS A cost-utility analysis was undertaken alongside a randomized controlled trial of second-eye cataract surgery in secondary care ophthalmology clinics. A total of 239 women over 70 years old with one unoperated cataract were randomized to cataract surgery (expedited, approximately 4 weeks) or control (routine surgery, 12 months wait). Outcomes were measured in terms of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), with health-related quality of life estimated using the EuroQol EQ-5D. RESULTS The operated group had costs which were, on average, pound646 more than the control group (95% confidence interval, pound16-1276, P<0.04) and had a mean QALY gain of 0.015 (95% confidence interval, -0.039 to 0.068, P=0.59) per patient over 1 year. Therefore, the incremental cost-utility ratio was pound44,263 over the 1-year trial period. In an analysis modelling costs and benefits over patients' expected lifetime, the incremental cost per QALY was pound17,299, under conservative assumptions. CONCLUSIONS Second-eye cataract surgery is not likely to be cost-effective in the short term for those with mild visual dysfunction pre-operation. In the long term, second-eye cataract surgery appears to be cost-effective unless carer costs are included.
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