Patients prefer same same-day post-op care after cataract surgery

Patients undergoing cataract surgery prefer and experience time and cost savings with same-day initial postoperative care compared to next-day care, according to a study.

The study, conducted at a single private practice institution, employed a retrospective, consecutive case series analysis using a standardized phone survey.

The researchers divided the subjects into 2 study groups based on the timing of their initial postoperative cataract surgery examination. Group A consisted of patients who received the examination on the same day as the surgery, whereas Group B received the examination on the day following the operation.

A total of 80 subjects were contacted for the phone survey, out of which 70 participants (35 in each study group) completed the survey and were included in the analysis.

The findings demonstrated that Group A, who received same-day examinations, expressed a strong preference for this approach. They reported favorable experiences, including reduced time and cost savings, compared to Group B (P < 0.0001 for both measures). None of the participants in Group A preferred next-day initial postoperative care, however, 31.4% of the subjects in Group B expressed a desire for same-day care if given the opportunity.

Reference
Rush SW, Huseman S, Rush RB. Timing of the Initial Postoperative Care After Cataract Surgery: A Patient’s Perspective. Clin Ophthalmol. 2023;17:1475-1479. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S413602. PMID: 37256196; PMCID: PMC10226547.