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Concerns over potential vision loss are leading some individuals to hesitate in undergoing imperative cataract surgery, as revealed by a recent study. This condition is the foremost cause of reversible blindness, with surgery being the sole effective intervention.
The findings, released in The Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology, underscore the substantial trust patients have in their healthcare providers and the pivotal function that communication plays between doctors and patients in the decision-making process regarding treatments.
This research was spearheaded by Dr. Lisa Kelly, a Taylor Asbury-endowed professor-educator and the director of medical student education within the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Dr. Kelly also holds the position of medical director at UC eye clinics. The study’s main author, Samantha Hu, is a fourth-year medical student, while contributions were also made by Dr. Stephanie Wey, a former resident at UC, and Rainier Yono, a third-year medical student.
The investigative team conducted surveys with 42 patients at the Hoxworth Eye Clinic, a training facility for ophthalmology residents affiliated with UC Medical Center. The aim of the research was to examine any potential relationship between health literacy and the anxieties surrounding cataract surgery.
“We believed that those with lower health literacy would harbor more fears about the surgery, particularly concerning the risk of losing vision,” stated Hu. “However, our results did not support that assumption.”
Cataracts occur when proteins in the eye’s natural lens deteriorate and cluster, resulting in blurred or diminished vision. This condition is primarily associated with aging, and the participants were all aged 50 and above, with roughly 60% reporting annual incomes under $50,000.
Study findings
Among the participants, 36% expressed apprehension about cataract surgery, with over half of that group specifically fearing it might result in vision loss. Yet, the research team did not find any link between these fears and the level of health literacy of the patients.
“We discovered that patients who could gain from the surgery understood the procedure reasonably well after receiving our explanations,” Kelly explained. “But even with clear information, some concerns remained.”
Hu pointed out that overwhelming patients with information did not necessarily alleviate their fears. “Providing more data doesn’t always address their worries,” she commented.
The study highlighted the necessity of fostering open dialogue. “Patient education is crucial, but it is not the only factor,” remarked Kelly. “Building trust and relationships is equally essential for helping patients navigate their fears.”
According to Hu, the findings illustrate how heavily patients depend on their physicians to help them navigate medical decisions that reflect their specific situations. “It highlights the trust patients place in their doctors and emphasizes the importance of understanding the patient demographic,” she noted.
Kelly emphasized, “It’s a reminder that our patients are individuals with genuine concerns. Our responsibility is to collaboratively engage with them in their healthcare journey.”
Looking ahead, researchers are expected to explore the nuances of patient fears concerning cataract surgery and strategies for physicians to enhance doctor-patient relationships.
Path to residency
Samantha Hu is a member of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine’s Class of 2025 and hails from Greenwood Village, Colorado, a suburb near Denver.
As she contemplated specializing in ophthalmology, Hu reached out to Dr. Kelly to participate in research, joining the study in her second year for data collection.
Hu expressed her interest in the project stemmed from her focus on social determinants of health, which encompass the economic and social factors affecting health disparities. “Sam and I worked closely together during her research project,” Kelly recounted. “I got to know her well throughout the process.”
The findings from this study were first showcased at a medical conference last year and likely bolstered Hu’s profile in the competitive residency match process.
“Engaging with scholarly inquiries like this equips medical students to critically analyze existing literature,” Kelly added.
Upon her graduation this spring, Hu is set to embark on her ophthalmology residency at Loyola University Chicago.
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