Quality assurance via telephone interviews after cataract surgery: An explorative study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Telemedicine
• Patient Care

Background:

• Cataract surgery is generally safe, but rare complications necessitate prompt postoperative evaluation.
• The optimal timing for postoperative follow-up visits remains debated.
• Telemedicine offers a potential time- and cost-saving alternative for postoperative monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess patient complaints and satisfaction with postoperative telephone calls after cataract surgery.
• To determine the optimal timing for telephone follow-up calls.
• To compare telemedical approaches with traditional in-house follow-up visits.

Main Methods:

• Patients undergoing cataract surgery were divided into a study group (telephone call on surgery day or day after) and a control group (no call).
• The study group reported on complaints and satisfaction with the telephone calls.
• All patients had a standard one-week follow-up visit; questionnaires were administered.

Main Results:

• Ocular surface issues were the most frequent postoperative complaint.
• Over 80% of patients reported high satisfaction with telephone calls; early calls (surgery day) provided more reassurance.
• No significant difference in follow-up visits was observed between groups, but complaints and prescribed therapy correlated with additional visits.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative telephone follow-up after cataract surgery yields high patient satisfaction.
• Contacting patients on the evening of surgery is a viable, cost-effective alternative to immediate in-house visits.
• Telemedicine can enhance postoperative care efficiency and patient reassurance.