Sandholdt Catharina Thiel, Jacobsen Marie Honoré, Mathiesen Olivia Hjulsager, Jønsson Alexandra Brandt Ryborg, Jensen Andrea Nedergaard, Steinbo Emma Katrine Frøhlke, Reventlow Susanne, Waldorff Frans Boch
Research Unit for General Practice & Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
Research Unit for General Practice & Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
BJGP Open. 2024 Apr 25;8(1). doi: 10.3399/BJGPO.2023.0118. Print 2024 Apr.
Vision impairment can have an impact on cognition, health, and social function. Vision loss may be avoided if detected early and treated promptly. Eye health is a minor topic in general practice, but the ongoing relationship between doctor and patient has the potential to assist the patient in navigating the healthcare system and guaranteeing timely healthcare service delivery.
To explore the attitudes of older members of the public (aged ≥60 years) towards navigating primary sector eye health care in Denmark, with a focus on optometrists, practising ophthalmologists (POs), and GPs.
DESIGN & SETTING: Qualitative study in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Focus group interviews were performed in the spring of 2022 with 21 older members of the public.
Older members of the public perceived optometrists and POs to be the most relevant health professionals to consult about eye health. Opportunities were identified for enhancing the function of general practice including detecting early signs of visual impairment, being in charge of further referrals, and managing issues affecting quality of life such as dry eyes.
Older members of the public sought help from health professionals who are directly qualified to treat symptoms of vision impairment that patients are experiencing or expect to face in the near future. Participants identified a potential for GPs to address vision impairment. This included focusing on the patient's general health and function, as well as potential comorbidities influencing treatment trajectories. The current denigration of general practice risks missing out on the potential benefits of robust engagement from general practice in eye health.
视力障碍会对认知、健康和社会功能产生影响。如果能早期发现并及时治疗,视力丧失是可以避免的。在全科医疗中,眼部健康是一个次要话题,但医生与患者之间持续的关系有潜力帮助患者在医疗系统中顺利就医,并确保及时提供医疗服务。
探讨丹麦老年公众(年龄≥60岁)对初级医疗领域眼部保健的态度,重点关注验光师、执业眼科医生(POs)和全科医生。
丹麦哥本哈根的定性研究。
2022年春季对21名老年公众进行了焦点小组访谈。
老年公众认为验光师和执业眼科医生是咨询眼部健康最相关的医疗专业人员。确定了加强全科医疗功能的机会,包括发现视力障碍的早期迹象、负责进一步转诊以及处理影响生活质量的问题,如干眼症。
老年公众向直接有资格治疗患者正在经历或预计在不久的将来面临的视力障碍症状的医疗专业人员寻求帮助。参与者确定了全科医生解决视力障碍问题的潜力。这包括关注患者的整体健康和功能,以及影响治疗轨迹的潜在合并症。目前对全科医疗的诋毁可能会错过全科医疗积极参与眼部健康所带来的潜在益处。