National Director of Nursing, Kylie Bennett
A multi-site research project examining an often-under-rated aspect of the cataract surgery journey – the discharge process – is underway at Vision Hospital Group (VHG).
Led by National Director of Nursing, Kylie Bennett, the prospective analysis will recruit patients from several VHG facilities, including Forest Road Day Surgery (NSW), Panch Day Surgery Centre (VIC), River City Private Hospital (QLD), Windsor Gardens Day Surgery (SA) and Whitehorse Day Surgery (VIC). It is being funded by a grant from the research charity Future Vision Foundation.
First-Of-Its-Kind Study In Australia
VHG facilities focus on ophthalmic day procedures and are staffed by specialist ophthalmic nurses who Ms Bennett said are “equipped with the skills, knowledge and familiarity with the various eye procedures to tailor information to each patient’s health literacy – whether it’s a first-time patient or someone returning for their second eye”.
She said the project is a perfect example of VHG’s “patient-first commitment, and its constant endeavor to do better”.
“Although discharge planning commences at the time of referral, the critical part is the provision of verbal and printed instructions to the patient and carer after the surgery. What we have done is to design a robust analysis to identify potential areas for improvement and existing knowledge gaps throughout the entire cataract surgery discharge process.”
“The intention is to optimise and document the process into a ‘gold standard’ that enables a safe, anxiety-free discharge process for all VHG patients following cataract surgery. The project will also provide our visiting medical officers with qualitative data to support best-practice care. To our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind in the country.”
Focus On Patient Discharge
Both surgeons and patients rely on day surgery staff to provide clear and accurate post-operative care instructions to facilitate a smooth recovery.
Discharge may feel like the final step in a cataract surgery journey but, in reality, it sets the stage for the patient’s entire recovery, Ms Bennett told mivision.
“Informed discharge is imperative to successful clinical outcomes, particularly in the day hospital setting. Cataract surgery patients may leave the hospital with one or both eyes covered, which can affect depth perception and mobility. If they had an anaesthetic that can affect alertness, while a new medication routine – especially if they are already on other medications – can be daunting.
“So, while the actual surgery and in-hospital recovery can be seamless, if a patient lacks the necessary knowledge or confidence to care for their eye appropriately, then clinical outcomes can be affected.”
Looking Ahead
Once completed, the findings will be shared across VHG’s national network of day hospitals, providing a foundation for best-practice discharge protocols and reinforcing the Group’s reputation for patient-centred care.
Ms Bennett said that although this study will focus on cataract surgery, the research model has potential for wider use. “There is no reason why this couldn’t be expanded to other ophthalmic procedures, so that we better understand what our patients need at the time of discharge to support their recovery.”
About Vision Hospital Group
The VHG network comprises 11 boutique day surgeries across Australia, which are dedicated to meeting the unique needs of ophthalmologists and ophthalmic patients. The day surgeries are equipped with the latest ophthalmic equipment and instrumentation, with an on-site Director of Nursing in addition to the National Director of Nursing.
VMOs who would like to arrange a confidential discussion/tour of a VHG facility are invited to submit a contact form via visionhospitalgroup.com.au/for-surgeons.
About Future Vision Foundation
Future Vision Foundation is a not-for-profit charity supporting ophthalmic research that was launched in 2021 by Vision Eye Institute. Visit: futurevisionfoundation.com.au.
