Resolution capacity of Ophthalmic Primary Care Units

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the resolution capacity of ophthalmic primary care units to shorten the ophthalmic waiting list not included in the Explicit Health Guarantees Plan (GES) of Ñuble Region in the period 2017-2019. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional non-experimental evaluation was conducted of the monthly statistical records and the No GES ophthalmic waiting list of the Ñuble Region generated in the period 2017-2019. Results: An average 1 875 (± 983) medical consultations and 3 407 (± 1 625) consultations with a medical technologist were held annually, with a resolution level of 84%: 82% for refraction vice resolution; 77.7% (p < 0.001) of the interconsultations for refractive vice and 80.1% (p < 0.001) for other diagnoses were resolved in less than 150 days. The ophthalmic primary care units studied displayed a resolution capacity similar to previous studies, with a reduction in the waiting time for ophthalmic primary care. Conclusions: Ophthalmic primary care units display a high resolution capacity, shorter waiting times, improved access and opportunity through a comprehensive teamwork model which may be replicated globally and in other medical specialties. Key words: Ophthalmology; waiting list; primary health care.