[Pareto optimal communication of the medical qualities of practicing ophthalmologists: a new option for patient information?].

BACKGROUND: This investigation analyzed the possibility to provide information about the medical qualities of ophthalmologists to make it easier for patients to find the right physician in a Pareto optimal way, i.e. to supply information so that nobody is harmed and at least one derives benefits.
METHODS: Extensive interviews with key deciders in the system for ophthalmological care were carried out and analyzed.
RESULTS: Pareto optimization is possible. However, implementation is not yet feasible mainly because of legal and economic restrictions and because of difficulties of the measuring system. In order to come to a result, a major medical, economic and legal effort would be required which is unlikely to come into place in the short-term.
CONCLUSION: At least in the near future there will be no new Pareto optimal information systems available for patients in order to find the appropriate ophthalmologist. In the mid-term the situation could change if the open questions can be resolved.