Quality indicators to ensure excellence in glaucoma care: the GlauCCare Spanish consensus.

TOPIC

To develop quality indicators to be included for the certification of excellence care in glaucoma units in Spain.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The certificate of excellence in care in glaucoma units is expected to enhance clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction, but also to optimise the use of resources and promote an efficient and effective patient care system.

METHODS

The Delphi methodology was used to obtain a consensus on quality indicators in glaucoma care. The scientific committee and an advisory group created a 182-item questionnaire classified by indicator type: care structure, care process and outcomes. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted among a panel of expert ophthalmologists in Spain, and a 9-point Likert-type scale was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

After the two rounds, 39 panellists reached consensus on 166 out of 182 items (91.2%). By indicator type, consensus was reached on 38 (88.4%) indicators related to care structure, on 85 (87.6%) indicators related to care process and on all indicators 42 (100%) related to outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This consensus identified a set of quality indicators that will help to develop the certification of excellence in glaucoma care units. This certification will facilitate best clinical practices and better health outcomes for glaucoma patients. Limitations of the study include the consensus nature of results, potential bias from the lengthy questionnaire and the focus on experts only in Spain, limiting generalisability.