Abstract
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.
Similar content being viewed by others
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
References
Humphrey C . Ways of seeing: biomedical perspectives on the social world. J R Soc Med 2006; 99: 602–606.
Doescher MP, Saver BG, Franks P, Fiscella K . Racial and ethnic disparities in perceptions of physician style and trust. Arch Fam Med 2000; 9: 1156–1163.
Hasnain-Wynia R . Is evidence-based medicine patient-centred and is patient-centred care evidence-based? Health Serv Res 2006; 41(1): 1–7.
Dietlin TS, Jordan J, Dinslage S . What do glaucoma specialists know about the patients? Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2005; 244(7): 859–862.
Taylor D, Bury M . Chronic illness, expert patients and care transition. Sociol Health Illn 2007; 29(1): 27–45.
Acknowledgements
The following organisations funded the research: Birmingham Strategic Health Authority; Heart of Birmingham Teaching Primary Care Trust; City Hospital NHS Trust; Pfizer UK and Birmingham Social Services.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
VC and MG designed the study, and interviewed the participants. VC and MG were involved in data analysis and preparation of the paper. SC contributed to the data collection and analysis process. PS conceived and is leader of the Birmingham ReGAE Project and reviewed the final draft. PS is the guarantor.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cross, V., Shah, P., Glynn, M. et al. Research into glaucoma and ethnicity (ReGAE) 4: trabeculectomy for advanced glaucoma: the surgical journey of African-Caribbean patients. Eye 22, 1456–1458 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.eye.6703095
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.eye.6703095
