Posters

Benefits and challenges of nurse-led cataract preoperative assessment

Poster Details

First Author: N. Fernandez Ledo UNITED KINGDOM

Co Author(s):    K. Xue   S. Harvey   C. Arnison-Newgass   P. Rosen           

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Evaluate the relative efficacies of nurse and ophthalmologist-led pre-operative assessment systems for cataract surgery.

Setting:

Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 2012-2015

Methods:

A nurse-led protocol-guided cataract POA combining clinical examination and biometry was introduced. Retrospective analysis of all new cataract referrals over one year was conducted. We analyzed rates of surgical booking, cancellations and waiting times.

Results:

Six hundred and eighty-nine cataract referrals were pre-assessed for surgery over one year, 579 (84%) by a nurse practitioner and 110 (16%) by an ophthalmologist. Among the 499 patients booked for cataract surgery, 426 (86%) proceeded with surgery, 51 (9.4%) were cancelled on the day of surgery, and 22 (4%) did not attend. The rate of cancellation on the day of surgery was identical between the nurse and doctor-led pre-assessment groups (both at 9.4%). Over 50% of cancellations on the day of surgery in either group were for unavoidable medical reasons. Introduction of the nurse-led POA released 579 equivalent ophthalmologist appointments valued at £81300.

Conclusions:

Nurse-led cataract POA improved patient access to care. Accuracy of identifying cataracts suitable for surgery and co-morbidity was comparable to doctor-led POA. Given appropriate training and supervision, a nurse-led system for cataract assessment is a viable strategy to reduce cost.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE