Challenges in ophthalmic consultations and strategic communication

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Health Communication
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Communication barriers in ophthalmic consultations impact patient understanding and outcomes.
• Patients often struggle with complex conditions and online misinformation.
• Clinicians face time constraints and complex family dynamics affecting dialogue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify communication challenges in ophthalmology from patient and clinician viewpoints.
• To introduce 'Strategic Communication' as a structured, evidence-based framework.
• To enhance patient-provider interactions and clinical outcomes in ophthalmology.

Main Methods:

• Multicentre mixed-method study using online focus groups and surveys.
• Thematic analysis of focus group transcripts from patients and ophthalmologists.
• Quantitative data collected from 139 ophthalmologists and 184 patients across Europe.

Main Results:

• Patients desire clear, empathetic communication and struggle with understanding conditions, often due to online misinformation.
• Clinicians cited time limits and family involvement as key dialogue barriers.
• The O.D.I. Method (Observe, Demand, Intervene) within Strategic Communication offers a tailored approach.

Conclusions:

• 'Strategic Communication' provides a systematic framework to improve ophthalmology consultations.
• The approach supports patient-centered care and structured clinician-patient communication.
• Further research is needed to assess its impact on clinical and patient-reported outcomes.