Nicolas J Raynor1, Gemma Hallam2, Niamh K Hynes3, Brett T Molloy4. 1. Accident and Emergency, The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Wakefield, WF1 4DG, UK. nick.raynor@doctors.org.uk. 2. Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK. 3. University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK. 4. Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, BD9 6RJ, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: Doctors and medical students with colour vision deficiency (CVD) are less capable and less confident at identifying colour in a wide range of clinical scenarios, some of which could be potentially life-threatening. There have been numerous calls for screening and counselling over the last 25 years. SUBJECTS/ METHODS: Surveys were sent to all 33 UK medical schools and 154 acute trusts, to ascertain what screening and support exists for doctors with CVD. The response rate was 95%. RESULTS: 1.4% of acute trusts and 16.7% of medical schools screen for CVD. 3.4% of trusts and 10.0% of medical schools had CVD-specific advice which they give to medical professionals. Guidance and advice given varied widely between different schools and trusts. DISCUSSIONS: Despite research showing a clear problem and lack of support for doctors with CVD, there has been a failure to respond by the medical profession. Screening, national guidance, counselling, and further research is needed to provide full support for practitioners with CVD and ensure patient safety.
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: Doctors and medical students with colour vision deficiency (CVD) are less capable and less confident at identifying colour in a wide range of clinical scenarios, some of which could be potentially life-threatening. There have been numerous calls for screening and counselling over the last 25 years. SUBJECTS/ METHODS: Surveys were sent to all 33 UK medical schools and 154 acute trusts, to ascertain what screening and support exists for doctors with CVD. The response rate was 95%. RESULTS: 1.4% of acute trusts and 16.7% of medical schools screen for CVD. 3.4% of trusts and 10.0% of medical schools had CVD-specific advice which they give to medical professionals. Guidance and advice given varied widely between different schools and trusts. DISCUSSIONS: Despite research showing a clear problem and lack of support for doctors with CVD, there has been a failure to respond by the medical profession. Screening, national guidance, counselling, and further research is needed to provide full support for practitioners with CVD and ensure patient safety.