Children’s clinic perceptions

1 April 2015 | Fiona Rowe (Prof) | EYE - Paediatrics, EYE - Strabismus

The authors designed a questionnaire intended to be child friendly and for use in a paediatric ophthalmology clinic. The aim of the study was to sample the opinions of the children attending their clinics. Topics in the questionnaire included timing and duration of visits, transport to hospital, what children liked and disliked at visits. They included multiple choice questions with free text space for additional comments. Verbal consent was obtained. Ninety-three children aged 2-16 completed the questionnaire (with and without parent assistance). Transport options included walking to hospital and travel by car, bus and train. Children indicated they saw an average 2.1 professionals per visit which was an under-report. The average duration of visit was 69 minutes (20-215). Sixty-seven percent felt there were sufficient toys and books available. Children reported the most difficult tests as visual acuity, retinoscopy, fundoscopy and binocular vision (in order). They reported the most fun tests as visual acuity, binocular vision, retinoscopy and fundoscopy (in order). Pain from eye drops was scored at an average of 4.2 (0 no pain, 10 most pain). Overall clinic experience was rated on average as 2.5 (0 poor, 10 best). The authors conclude there is room for improvement with explanation, sign-posting and education with regard to clinic visits.