Evaluation of Impact of Ophthalmology Rotation on Family Medicine Practice in Northern Nigeria: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND

Globally, 36 million people are blind and 217 million people have moderate or severe distance vision impairment. Eighty-nine percent of vision impaired people live in low and middle-income countries. To prevent progression to blindness, there is need for early diagnosis and referral for treatment. At the heart of this are the Family Physicians who are the first port of call for our teeming population.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this study is to assess the ophthalmic knowledge base of Family Physicians and level of utilization of skills acquired during the ophthalmology rotation in their day-to-day practice.

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire was filled by all consenting Family Physicians in 4 hospitals in 2 states. It included self-assessment section on knowledge, ophthalmic skills and open-ended questions on suggestions. On the spot assessment of available ophthalmic equipment was made.

RESULTS

A response rate of 57.9% was obtained. Respondents are graduates from 14 states across the country; mostly in Northern Nigeria 61(87.1%) and 65.6% from University of Jos. There was no statistically significant difference between the level of practice and comfort in managing ophthalmic conditions (p = 0.949). Respondents made suggestions on training, duration and equipment.

CONCLUSION

Despite good rating in managing ophthalmic conditions, only one of the 4 hospitals had ophthalmic equipment. There is a need to objectively measure Family Physicians' ophthalmic skills to ensure that eye patients seen first by Family Physicians receive appropriate treatment.