A qualitative study of surgeons’ experiences delivering femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery within the NHS

Session Details

Session Title: Presented Poster Session: FLACS

Venue: Poster Village: Pod 1

First Author: : H.Ali UK

Co Author(s): :    H. Naveed   T. Poole                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) has not previously been routinely used within the NHS. Our hospital setting was uniquely able to deliver this service for NHS patients. This study is the first to describe surgeons’ views on delivering FLACS within the NHS. Our qualitative study explored the unique experiences of surgeons of various grades involved in delivering FLACS over a period of 20 months. We critically examined and evaluated positives and negatives of initiating and delivering FLACS.

Setting:

Frimley Park Hospital NHS Trust, Surrey, UK

Methods:

Data was collected via electronic and paper-based questionnaires. All surgeons involved in FLACS within the department were asked to respond to the questionnaires. Questions asked them to describe their experiences of routine FLACS usage within the department, for NHS patients between July 2016 and March 2017. The data was coded and analysed to develop thematic accounts of routine FLACS implantation within the NHS.

Results:

Data was collected from 23 surgeons, ranging from senior Consultants to Year 1 Ophthalmology Trainees. Overall participants reported positive experiences and were able to identify constructive critiques of the system. Participants identified recurrent themes relating to efficiency: Increased staffing (surgeons, nurses and auxiliary staff), improvements to the Patient Interface Docking system, patient selection, better turn around in-between cases. Training was also identified as particular theme needing consideration for future implementation. Initial training was deemed excellent. Many participants wanted didactic initial training, consolidation of training at later stages and training when updates to systems were made.

Conclusions:

Drawing upon the surgeons' views from this unique setting is important for the development of an effective high volume FLACS service within the NHS. We have used a critical analysis of surgeons' own views as the basis for defining essential steps to improve efficiency of NHS FLACS service within the department that could be extrapolated for FLACS services elsewhere.

Financial Disclosure:

None