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Low vision aids--is our service cost effective?
G G McIlwaine1, J A Bell, G N Dutton
1Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow.
Eye (London, England)
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Many patients with impaired vision do not benefit from Low Vision Aids (LVAs). Improving LVA services with trained staff could enhance patient satisfaction and aid utilization.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
Background:
- Low Vision Aids (LVAs) are crucial for patients with visual impairments.
- Assessing the effectiveness and utilization of LVAs is essential for optimizing patient care.
- Patient satisfaction and service quality significantly impact LVA adoption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the proportion of patients benefiting from LVAs.
- To identify unused LVAs and analyze associated costs.
- To explore factors influencing LVA compliance and patient satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire and telephone survey were conducted on a Scottish population with impaired vision.
- Cost analysis was performed to quantify the value of unused LVAs.
- Patient demographics, diagnoses, and visual acuities were correlated with compliance and satisfaction.
Main Results:
- One-third of surveyed patients never used their LVAs; half were dissatisfied with the service.
- Approximately £8,000 worth of LVAs are lost annually due to non-use or non-return.
- Increasing age and decreasing visual acuity correlated with lower LVA compliance.
Conclusions:
- Current LVA services may be improved by employing additional staff trained in patient education.
- Intensive training in LVA use, as provided by other health services, appears to increase compliance.
- Patient satisfaction and benefit from LVAs are not reliably predicted by analyzed factors.