B Weingessel1, P V Vécsei-Marlovits. 1. Abt. für Augenheilkunde und Optometrie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Osterreich.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Lengthy waiting times are linked to a decline in visual acuity and quality of life. The aim of our study was to evaluate patients' maximum acceptable waiting time (MAWT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 300 consecutive cataract patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire. The main question addressed the patient's MAWT to undergo cataract surgery. Patients' visual impairment (VF-14 score), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), education, profession, and social status were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean MAWT was 3.25+/-2.3 months. A significant correlation between VF-14 score and MAWT (r=0.241, p=0.001) and between MAWT and BCVA (r=0.187, p=0.01) was found. Well-educated patients (4.30+/-2.53 months, p=0.004) and patients living with a partner (3.62+/-2.41 months, p= 0.031) were more likely to tolerate longer MAWT. Patients living alone (2.94+/-2.21 months, p= 0.107) and patients who had to take care of a nursing case (2.83+/-1.90 months, p=0.589) tended to shorter MAWT. CONCLUSIONS: MAWT is dependent on subjective visual impairment and objective BCVA. Availability of social services was also a strong predictor from the patients' perspective.
BACKGROUND: Lengthy waiting times are linked to a decline in visual acuity and quality of life. The aim of our study was to evaluate patients' maximum acceptable waiting time (MAWT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 300 consecutive cataractpatients were asked to fill out a questionnaire. The main question addressed the patient's MAWT to undergo cataract surgery. Patients' visual impairment (VF-14 score), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), education, profession, and social status were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean MAWT was 3.25+/-2.3 months. A significant correlation between VF-14 score and MAWT (r=0.241, p=0.001) and between MAWT and BCVA (r=0.187, p=0.01) was found. Well-educated patients (4.30+/-2.53 months, p=0.004) and patients living with a partner (3.62+/-2.41 months, p= 0.031) were more likely to tolerate longer MAWT. Patients living alone (2.94+/-2.21 months, p= 0.107) and patients who had to take care of a nursing case (2.83+/-1.90 months, p=0.589) tended to shorter MAWT. CONCLUSIONS: MAWT is dependent on subjective visual impairment and objective BCVA. Availability of social services was also a strong predictor from the patients' perspective.
Authors: Rebecca Q Ivers; Robert G Cumming; Paul Mitchell; Judy M Simpson; Anthony J Peduto Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2003-03 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: E P Steinberg; J M Tielsch; O D Schein; J C Javitt; P Sharkey; S D Cassard; M W Legro; M Diener-West; E B Bass; A M Damiano Journal: Arch Ophthalmol Date: 1994-05