Evaluating the standard of care in congenital cataract: a local patient-centred quality improvement project
| Saturday, November 2, 2024 |
| 1:30 PM - 1:40 PM |
| Panorama Rooms 2 & 3 |
Overview
Dr Lachlan Knight
Speaker
Dr Lachlan Knight
Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Adelaide
Evaluating the standard of care in congenital cataract: a local patient-centred quality improvement project
Abstract
Introduction: Congenital cataract is often a complex condition that involves ongoing multidisciplinary care. The aim of this project was to understand the patient experience in the context of congenital cataract care at a public hospital, evaluate the standard of care and identify areas for improvement.
Methods: Parents of children with congenital cataract were invited to participate in unstructured interviews about their healthcare experience. Interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams. Data collected was explored using thematic analysis.
Results: Three parents of children with congenital cataract participated. Three themes emerged from the data collected: continuity of care, optimising patient contact time, and education for families. Continuity of care included a desire for a ‘go-to’ key healthcare coordinator for a minimum of 12 months post-diagnosis, with a projected yearly appointment schedule. Optimising patient contact time centred on quick and efficient delivery of face-to-face services while education for families included a strong desire for a cataract education pack. Addressing these areas for service improvements must consider the current capacity of the workforce, funding requirements, clinician experience and appointment availability.
Conclusion: Management of congenital cataract requires consistent and timely clinical, educational, administrative, and emotional support. This could be supported by the introduction of a key worker, especially in the first 12-months following diagnosis. An orthoptist is well positioned to undertake this role and improve services delivered to families impacted by congenital cataract.
Methods: Parents of children with congenital cataract were invited to participate in unstructured interviews about their healthcare experience. Interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams. Data collected was explored using thematic analysis.
Results: Three parents of children with congenital cataract participated. Three themes emerged from the data collected: continuity of care, optimising patient contact time, and education for families. Continuity of care included a desire for a ‘go-to’ key healthcare coordinator for a minimum of 12 months post-diagnosis, with a projected yearly appointment schedule. Optimising patient contact time centred on quick and efficient delivery of face-to-face services while education for families included a strong desire for a cataract education pack. Addressing these areas for service improvements must consider the current capacity of the workforce, funding requirements, clinician experience and appointment availability.
Conclusion: Management of congenital cataract requires consistent and timely clinical, educational, administrative, and emotional support. This could be supported by the introduction of a key worker, especially in the first 12-months following diagnosis. An orthoptist is well positioned to undertake this role and improve services delivered to families impacted by congenital cataract.
Biography
Lachlan graduated from a Bachelor of Health Sciences and Master of Orthoptics at La Trobe University in 2016. He has since balanced a clinical orthoptics and research career, having completed his PhD at Flinders University in 2023. Lachlan specialises in paediatrics and strabismus, and holds a Clinical Associate Lecturer position within the University of Adelaide Medical School. He is currently primarily based at the Women's and Children's Hospital where he is the Acting Head Orthoptist.
