Original article
A national survey to assess the prevalence of written guidance for occlusion and practice variation in the treatment of amblyopia
Authors:
- Sue ElliotEmail Sue Elliot
Abstract
Aim: To assess the prevalence of written clinical guidance for occlusion treatment and variation in occlusion practice within orthoptic departments in the United Kingdom (UK).
Method: A questionnaire was sent to every orthoptic department in the UK. Questions asked about the existence of written guidance in departments and how this guidance had been developed. Subsequent questions asked about the treatment of amblyopia. Clinical scenarios of amblyopia were provided and departments had to indicate the occlusion in hours that would be prescribed.
Results: One hundred and ninety of 240 questionnaires were returned, a response rate of 72%. One hundred and eighty-six questionnaires were suitable for analysis. Sixty-six of 186 (35%) responding departments had written guidance for occlusion, 70 (38%) had some general department consensus on occlusion, 47 (25%) had no departmental consensus on occlusion and 3 (2%) declined to answer. Statistical analysis indicated there were significant differences between departments ‘with guidance’ and those ‘without guidance’ in the amount of occlusion prescribed if treating more severe amblyopia (6/60 vision). There were no significant differences in occlusion prescribed for less severe amblyopia (6/12 vision).
Conclusion: In the responding departments the prevalence of written guidance for occlusion treatment was low and there were significant variations in the amount of occlusion that would be prescribed. It is essential to have good-quality, robust evidence on which to base clinical decisions.- Year: 2005
- Volume: 2
- Page/Article: 26-31
- DOI: 10.22599/bioj.186
- Published on 1 Jan 2005
- Peer Reviewed