Determinants of patient satisfaction with cataract surgery and length of time on the waiting list. Issue 10 (17th September 2004)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Conner-Spady, B L; Sanmugasunderam, S; Courtright, P; McGurran, J J; Noseworthy, T W
• Other Names: group-author.
• Is Part Of: British journal of ophthalmology. Volume 88:Issue 10(2004)
• Page Start: 1305
• Page End: 1309
• Publication Date: 2004-09-17
• Subjects: HRQL, health related quality of life -- MAWT, maximum acceptable waiting time -- PCS, Priority Criteria Score -- VA, visual acuity -- VAS, visual analogue scale -- VFA, Visual Function Assessment -- WT, waiting time; patient satisfaction -- waiting time -- cataract surgery -- priority setting -- EQ-5D; Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2003.037721
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1161

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: To assess determinants of patient satisfaction with their waiting time (WT) and cataract surgery outcome. Methods: A prospective cohort of consecutive patients waiting for cataract surgery were assessed by their ophthalmologist. Satisfaction, maximum acceptable waiting time (MAWT), urgency, visual function, visual acuity (VA), and health related quality of life (EQ-5D) were assessed using mailed questionnaires before surgery and 8–10 weeks after surgery. Ordinal logistic regression was used to build explanatory models. Results: 166 patients (61.9% female, mean age 73.4 years) had a mean WT of 16 weeks. Patients whose actual WT was shorter than their MAWT had greater odds of being satisfied with their WT than those whose WT was longer (adjusted OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.38 to 10.74). Improvement in visual function (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.78 to 5.73), and VA (OR 4.27, 95% CI 1.70 to 10.68) significantly predicted satisfaction with surgery. Models were adjusted for age and sex. Conclusion: Patient perspectives on MAWT and satisfaction with WT are important inputs to the process of determining WT standards for levels of patient priority. Patient expectation of WT may mediate satisfaction with actual WT.