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Abstract #22460 Published in IGR 10-4
Research into glaucoma and ethnicity (ReGAE) 4: trabeculectomy for advanced glaucoma: The surgical journey of African-Caribbean patients
Cross V; Shah P; Glynn M; Chidrawar SEye 2008; 22: 1456-1458
AIM: To explore the experiences of African-Caribbean patients with advanced glaucoma. METHODS: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were used to elicit patients' subjective experiences of becoming a glaucoma patient, receiving treatment, undergoing surgery, and its aftermath. Interview transcripts underwent narrative analysis. RESULTS: The surgeon-patient relationship was central to developing effective coping strategies. Participants described their experiences in terms of what they considered were their responsibilities as patients to the surgeon-patient relationship. They also defined the surgeon's responsibilities and obligations. CONCLUSIONS: The use of patient narratives provides a valuable resource for enhancing communication skills and relationship-centred care in the hospital eye service.
Dr. V. Cross, Centre for Health and Social Care Improvement, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK. Vinette.cross@wlv.ac.uk