[Evaluation of the work time used in outpatient ophthalmology techniques]

To determine the work time used for out-patients seen in the ophthalmology out-patient clinic according to treatment for each diagnosis and examination guidelines. Another objective was to discover the diagnostic related outpatient demand as well as the time spent on each technique.

We have designed a computer database system that includes examinations, treatments and medical services. Their duration was measured in a random sample of 127 ophthalmology outpatients in the General Hospital of Castellon. Sixty five of the patients had come to their first visit and 62 to the follow-up visits.

A new patient spends a mean of 42 minutes and a follow-up patient spends a mean of 27 minutes. The most frequent diagnoses are retinal diseases (30%), cataract (18.6%), glaucoma (11.8%) and ocular motility disorders (11.8%). We present the mean times used by the physician in the ophthalmic techniques used in outpatients.

We have modified the standard times of 30 minutes for the first visit and 15 minutes for the follow-up visit. Data on the work time used for all the ophthalmics techniques in our outpatient clinic are presented. This ophthalmology survey can be used for health care managers to establish the <> and health care plan administration to adapt the resources to the demand.