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Outpatient ophthalmic plastic surgery: outcomes and patient satisfaction using initial postoperative telephone call
1Lions Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Albany Medical College, New York 12208, USA.
Purpose:
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of using a telephone call within 24 hours as the initial follow-up after outpatient ophthalmic plastic surgery, deferring the first postoperative visit 4 to 7 days.
Methods:
We prospectively evaluated clinical outcomes, including complications and patient satisfaction, after 469 outpatient eyelid, lacrimal and anterior orbital procedures. Patient satisfaction was assessed with a 13-item questionnaire.
Results:
Response to the questionnaire was 282 of 469 (60%) patients. Essentially, all patients responding to the questionnaire who received a telephone call believed that it was helpful and their questions and concerned were adequately addressed. Only 4 of 274 (1%) patients without a planned 24-hour visit indicated that they would have preferred being seen in the office. Complications of a minor nature were noted in 12 of 469 (3%) patients, none of which adversely affected clinical outcomes.
Conclusion:
We conclude that a telephone call on the initial postoperative day, deferring the first visit 4 to 7 days, is a safe, cost-effective strategy with high patient acceptance for most types of eyelid and lacrimal surgery, as well as some types of orbital surgery.