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Pilot study of contact lens practitioner risk-taking propensity
Nicole Carnt1, Lisa Keay, Mark D P Willcox
1Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. n.carnt@brienholdenvision.org
Summary
Optometrists with higher risk-taking tendencies manage more contact lens patients. This personality trait, along with practice location socioeconomic status, predicts higher patient volume, not prescribing habits.
Area of Science:
- Optometry
- Ophthalmology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Understanding practitioner behavior is crucial for patient safety and practice management in optometry.
- Risk-taking propensity among eye care professionals may influence clinical decisions and practice growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess optometrists' risk-taking propensity.
- To investigate the association between risk-taking and contact lens practice volume and prescribing profiles.
- To identify factors linked to high-risk practitioners and large-volume contact lens practices.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-four Australian optometrists completed a risk-taking survey and rated risk factors for microbial keratitis.
- Rasch analysis estimated risk-taking propensity (0-100 scale).
- Regression analysis examined associations between risk-taking, demographics, practice characteristics, and patient volume.
Main Results:
- Higher risk-taking propensity correlated with a greater number of weekly contact lens patients (p=0.02).
- Risk-taking did not influence the perceived importance or discussion of risk factors with patients.
- Practice location's socioeconomic status and practitioner risk-taking predicted higher contact lens patient volumes.
Conclusions:
- Optometrists managing more contact lens patients exhibit higher risk-taking tendencies.
- Risk-taking propensity does not appear to alter advice given to contact lens wearers.
- Socioeconomic status of practice location is a significant factor in high-volume contact lens practices.
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