Integrated Cataract Management

Updated 2020-03-10 10:47:00

Abhirug Chiwiratana, M.D. *
Abstract Objective: To initiate appropriate process of the management for cataract patients to conform to the context of community hospitals. The study employed integrated cataract management so that the patients could get the appropriate treatment and better vision within 1-2 months. Methods: To study the integrated cataract management (ICM) system, the author studied patients who underwent the cataract surgery in 5 community hospitals in Roi-Et and Khon-Khaen provinces. The ICM team consists of ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nurses and health care personnel in the hospitals. The study took 3 months. Results: 1,074 of 2,800 patients were included in this study . 85.9% got better vision without severe infective complication. Less than 3% could not get compatible intraocular lens implantation. The patients could start normally active life within 2 weeks and more patients could be treated. Conclusion: It was found that the ICM is effective and can establish a strong team work and effective personal development. In addition, the ICM can be employed for the sake of ophthalmologic public health in other areas confronting the problems similar to those of this study. However, it is recommended that the context of the study area should be taken into consideration when the ICM would be employed.
Volume 22 No. 1 January-June 2009 0857-376X
Category: Original Articles
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