Practical solutions to service shortcomings in the care of older people: the case for professional collaboration
- Bartlett School of Graduate Studies, University College, London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK; john.percival@ucl.ac.uk
- Accepted 25 June 2003
Recent studies have reported shortcomings in the ways in which ophthalmic teams respond to the emotional and information needs of people who have age related macular degeneration (AMD). Research that I and colleagues have recently completed found similar concerns but also identified potential solutions.
Case report
Mitchell et al’s study1 of the quality of health care in macular degeneration revealed that nearly half of the 2000 surveyed patients were critical of their eye specialist’s attitude (variously described as unfeeling, uninterested, or dismissive) as well as lack of information and advice in eye clinics (about the sight condition, low vision aids, and support services). Howe2 reminds us that these problems are not new, and that there is routine failure in ophthalmic units to provide adequate information …
