Immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery: patient perceptions and preferences

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) offers efficiency gains for the NHS but is underutilized (<0.5% of patients).
• Surgeon attitudes are a known barrier, but patient perceptions of ISBCS remain largely unexplored.
• Increasing ISBCS uptake could help manage the UK's cataract burden and surgical backlogs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate patient awareness, willingness, and attitudes towards ISBCS.
• To identify key motivators and barriers influencing patient decisions regarding ISBCS.
• To inform strategies for increasing ISBCS adoption in the NHS.

Main Methods:

• A structured questionnaire was administered to 183 patients across three NHS hospital cataract clinics.
• The questionnaire included both open-ended and closed-ended questions to assess patient awareness, willingness, and attitudes.
• Data collected focused on patient perceptions of ISBCS and factors influencing their choices.

Main Results:

• Only 43% of patients were aware of ISBCS, primarily through clinic staff.
• Just over one-third of patients would opt for ISBCS if given the choice.
• Convenience was the main motivator, while perceived risk of complications was the primary barrier; patient misunderstandings about recovery were also noted.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of NHS patients are willing to undergo ISBCS when presented with the option.
• Surgeon reluctance to recommend ISBCS and patient misconceptions about the recovery process appear to be limiting its uptake.
• Addressing patient education and surgeon attitudes is crucial for increasing ISBCS utilization and improving cataract care efficiency.