rss
Br J Ophthalmol 2005;89:891-896 doi:10.1136/bjo.2004.051334
  • Clinical science
    • Extended reports

The impact of the Health Technology Board for Scotland’s grading model on referrals to ophthalmology services

  1. S Philip,
  2. L M Cowie,
  3. J A Olson
  1. Grampian Diabetes Retinal Screening Programme, Woolmanhill, Aberdeen AB25 1LD, UK
  1. Correspondence to: Dr John Olson Grampian Diabetes Retinal Screening Programme, Woolmanhill, Aberdeen AB25 1LD, UK
  • Accepted 11 November 2004

Abstract

Aim: To ascertain the impact of the Health Technology Board for Scotland’s grading model on referrals to ophthalmology services.

Methods: An analysis was performed of the screening outcomes of 5575 consecutive patients, who were screened by the Grampian Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme between March and September 2003 according to the recommendations of the Health Technology Board and the Scottish Diabetic Retinopathy Grading Scheme 2003.

Results: 3066 (55%) were male. The median age was 65 years. 5.4% were passed on to the level 3 grader and 3.4% were finally referred to ophthalmology services. 2.3% required re-screening in 6 months; 85% were screened without mydriasis; 11.9% had ungradeable images despite a staged mydriasis protocol. Time to complete grading was 32 days (22–45).

Conclusion: The impact of the Health Technology Board for Scotland’s recommendations on referrals to ophthalmology services is modest and should be containable within existing resources.

Footnotes

    This Article

    1. Abstract
    2. Full text
    3. PDF

    Responses

    1. Submit a response
    2. No responses published

    Register for free content

    The full back archive is now available for all BMJ Journals. Institutional subscribers may access the entire archive as part of their subscription. Personal subscribers will also have access to all content when logged in. Non-subscribers who register have free access to all articles published before 2006 right back to volume 1 issue 1. Register here to access the free archive of all BMJ Journals.

    Don't forget to sign up for content alerts so you keep up to date with all the articles as they are published.