ReGAE 5: Can we improve the surgical journey for African-Caribbean patients undergoing glaucoma filtration surgery? Some preliminary findings

Vinette Cross, Peter Shah, Martin Glynn, Shivani Chidrawar

Centre for Health and Social Care Improvement, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, United Kingdom

Aim: To explore the experiences of African-Caribbean patients who had undergone filtration surgery for advanced glaucoma.

Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were used to collect the data and an interview guide was developed. Participants recounted when they first became aware of a problem with their eyes and their feelings at the time. Subsequently they were probed about their subjective experiences of becoming a glaucoma patient, receiving treatment, the decision to undergo surgery, and its aftermath. The perceptions of three participants from three different generations of African-Caribbean men were selected from the larger study for presentation in this paper. Interview transcripts were subjected to narrative analysis.

Results: The concept of patient-partnership was re-framed in terms of mentorship. Surgeon–patient relationships are central to developing effective coping strategies. Support to face the ordeals ahead, challenge to take on new responsibilities, and help to envision a meaningful life with glaucoma are fundamental to fostering trust and maintaining motivation to continue.

Conclusions: The use of patient narratives provides a valuable a resource for enhancing communication skills and patient-centered care in the hospital eye service.

Keywords: glaucoma, secondary eye-care, African-Caribbean, filtration surgery, trabeculectomy