'Smiling and Talking Slowly': A Qualitative Study on the Ideal Ophthalmologist From the Perspective of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Adults with intellectual disabilities need ophthalmologists to be patient and communicate clearly. Gentle care and slow explanations during eye exams improve their healthcare experience and reduce health inequalities.
Area Of Science
- Ophthalmology
- Disability Studies
- Healthcare Accessibility
Background
- Healthcare accessibility and inequality are significant concerns for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Eye examinations and ophthalmologist visits present unique challenges for this population.
- Research on healthcare experiences from the perspective of people with intellectual disabilities is limited.
Purpose Of The Study
- To explore the subjective experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities during ophthalmologist visits.
- To understand the expectations of adults with intellectual disabilities regarding eye care services.
Main Methods
- A qualitative study was conducted between 2021 and 2022.
- Semistructured interviews were performed with 22 adults with intellectual disabilities in Taiwan.
- Thematic analysis was employed to analyze interview data, supplemented with visual aids.
Main Results
- Key themes in experiences included reasons for visits, the need for clear/slow explanations, and anxiety during examinations.
- Positive interactions were characterized by doctors being "good, smiling, and gentle."
- Expectations focused on clear pre-examination instructions and ophthalmologists who "smile and talk slowly."
Conclusions
- An ideal ophthalmologist for individuals with intellectual disabilities is patient-centered and offers individualized care.
- Fear and negative experiences exacerbate health inequalities for this group.
- Integrating patient-centered communication and gentle practices into ophthalmology training is crucial for improving care quality and well-being.
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