[Advantages of a designated IVI center for a German university eye hospital]

Since 2016, a designated center for the intravitreal injections (IVI) has been established at the department of ophthalmology. Many aims had supported the project of moving IVIs from the main operations theater. This study aimed to assess the practicality and feasibility of such a move.

In this IVI center, only patients with macular diseases are treated. The premises are arranged directly next to each other. The standardized treatment process starts with registration. Parallel to the formalities, a refraction test is carried out. If necessary optical coherence tomography (OCT) is carried out and then a full eye examination is performed by a doctor. Afterwards, a specialist/consultant decides on the subsequent treatment strategy. The injection takes place in an adjacent standard designated operating room. Patients are handed the computer-generated discharge letters immediately after the procedure and further appointments are booked on discharge.

Despite a 25% increase in the number of IVIs to more than 4000 IVIs per year over the last 2 years, advantages from the establishment of the designated center have resulted as follows: optimal care through precise treatment systems and shorter waiting times. From July to August 2018, 85% of voluntarily participating patients pressed the green or light green smiley face on the "HappyOrNot smiley terminal system". Pressure is taken off the regular outpatient macular consultation service, fixed and direct contact person, pressure is taken off the main operations theater with a significant increase in the diagnosis-related groups (DRG) revenues of 900,000 € and easily accessible database for statistical and scientific purposes.

The designated center proved to be an extremely useful and beneficial one-stop center (IVI carrousel) for patients requiring IVI and macular consultations. It significantly released the pressure on both the outpatient department and the outpatient operation center.