Abstract | BACKGROUND: MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multidisciplinary prospective service-improvement process was undertaken at two adjacent general hospitals in the northwest of England. IVT injections by nurses were a principal component of solution development. After we had obtained appropriate institutional approval, experienced ophthalmic nurses were trained, supervised, and assessed to undertake IVT. Ophthalmologists directly supervised the first 200 injections, and a retina specialist was always on site. RESULTS: CONCLUSION: Experienced ophthalmic nurses quickly learned how to perform such injections safely. IVT by nurses was well accepted by patients and staff. Hospital A trained three nurses sequentially for improved flexibility in scheduling. Novel use of appropriately trained non-medical staff can improve efficiency and access in an overburdened service with time-sensitive disease. Retinal assessment was undertaken by ophthalmologists only. Improved access to IVT is important, as treatment with anti- VEGF therapy reduces blindness at population levels.
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Authors | Monica M Michelotti, Salwa Abugreen, Simon P Kelly, Jiten Morarji, Debra Myerscough, Tina Boddie, Ann Haughton, Natalie Nixon, Brenda Mason, Evangelos Sioras |
Journal | Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)
(Clin Ophthalmol)
Vol. 8
Pg. 755-61
( 2014)
ISSN: 1177-5467 [Print] New Zealand |
PMID | 24790403
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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