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Ophthalmologists in teaching hospitals: do we make a difference to patient outcome?
Author(s) -
Bala Chandra,
Poon Alexander C,
Joblin Paul,
McCluskey Peter J
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
clinical and experimental ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.3
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1442-9071
pISSN - 1442-6404
DOI - 10.1046/j.1442-9071.2001.d01-4.x
Subject(s) - medicine , medical record , eye care , teaching hospital , retrospective cohort study , tertiary care , significant difference , patient care , optometry , family medicine , emergency medicine , medical emergency , pediatrics , general surgery , nursing , surgery
Purpose : To determine the type and frequency of consultations with the eye department of a major tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods : A retrospective review was undertaken of the medical records of inpatient consultations within the Ophthalmology Department of Royal Prince Alfred Hospital over the period from 1 July 1995 to 30 June 1997. The consults were divided into six types of consultation. A determination was made of the outcome and effect on patient management of each consultation. Results : There were 506 consultations over the 2‐year period. For 389 patients a full ophthalmic assessment was requested and 175 of them (45%) had an ophthalmological diagnosis made or had change in management as a result of the consultation. Conclusion : Ophthalmological consultation is a valuable inpatient consultation service that makes a significant difference in the management of patients from other medical and surgical units within the hospital.