Clinical model assisting with the collaborative care of glaucoma patients and suspects.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Optimizing patient management will reduce unnecessary vision loss in glaucoma through early detection. One method is the introduction of collaborative care schemes between optometrists and ophthalmologists.

DESIGN:

We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the impact of the Centre for Eye Health (CFEH) on glaucoma patient outcomes and management in primary optometric care.

PARTICIPANTS:

Patients referred to CFEH by optometrists for a glaucoma assessment were eligible for this study if written consent was provided (500 participants were randomly chosen).

METHODS:

Clinical data were classified according to disease risk and implemented patient care and analysed against the original diagnosis and patient parameters, followed by statistical analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Two main parameters were evaluated; suitable referral of patients for glaucoma condition assessment and appropriate implementation of follow-up care.

RESULTS:

The majority of patients referred for glaucoma assessment (86.2%) were classified as glaucoma suspects or likely to have glaucoma, indicating suitable referral of patients for a CFEH evaluation. Further, the involvement of CFEH resulted in a false positive rate of 7.8% for those patients who proceeded to ophthalmological care. However, long-term optometric patient care was not maintained for up to a third of primarily lower risk patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

The investigated collaborative eye health-care model led to a substantial improvement in appropriate referrals of glaucoma patients to ophthalmologists and could be suitable for optimizing patient care and utilization of resources. Improvement in follow-up of patients by optometrists is required to minimize inappropriately discontinued patient care.

• Authors: Khalid F Jamous, Michael Kalloniatis, Michael P Hennessy, Ashish Agar, Andrew Hayen, Barbara Zangerl
• Journal: Clinical & experimental ophthalmology (Clin Exp Ophthalmol) 2015 May-Jun Vol. 43 Issue 4 Pg. 308-19 ISSN: 1442-9071 [Electronic] Australia
• PMID: 25362898 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2014 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Continuity of Patient Care
• Cooperative Behavior
• Delivery of Health Care, Integrated (organization & administration)
• Female
• Glaucoma (diagnosis)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Models, Organizational
• Ocular Hypertension (diagnosis)
• Ophthalmology (organization & administration)
• Optometry (organization & administration)
• Patient Care Team (organization & administration)
• Referral and Consultation (statistics & numerical data)
• Retrospective Studies