Patient satisfaction and attitudes towards immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery

Purpose To investigate patients' first-hand experience, satisfaction and attitudes towards immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS). Setting Royal Bournemouth Hospital, University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth, UK. Design Retrospective study using semi-structured phone interviews and qualitative content analysis. Methods Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted by an independent interviewer, to explore patients' experiences of ISBCS, at least four weeks postoperatively. The open-ended responses were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Categories and meaning units were tabulated, with the number and percentage of patients contributing to each category provided. Results 25 patients were included. All patients rated their overall satisfaction of ISBCS as 'very satisfied' and would opt again to have both eyes operated on the same day. 22 patients (88%) reported a 'very good/comfortable' surgery experience. After surgery, 24 patients (96%) felt completely safe going home, with most organizing for family or friends to drive them home. None of the patients experienced any complications in the postoperative period. 24 patients (96%) experienced only minimal reduction in accomplishing daily living activities after surgery and 24 patients (96%) said they would recommend ISBCS to family and friends. Conclusion The results support wider implementation of ISBCS from the patient's perspective and experience. Providing written information addressing common themes and concerns is recommended to increase patient acceptance and uptake of ISBCS preoperatively.