Quality and outcomes department of ophthalmology 2010 of Massachuset Eye & Ears firm (2010) by Joan W. miller, md PDF

Description

Physicians today want to practice evidence-based medicine so that we can diagnose and treat patients using the best available data. To accomplish this, we usually refer to randomized clinical trials in which carefully matched groups of patients are studied comparing an intervention, a drug or a surgery. Unfortunately, this level of data exists for very few medical decisions and, even when it does, it may not be helpful when considering options for an individual patient who doesn’t have the exact same characteristics as those who were enrolled in the clinical trials. Another way to examine the effectiveness of our clinical practice involves studying outcomes. How effective are we, the Mass. Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School’s (HMS) Department of Ophthalmology, when we treat patients with wet or neovascular age-related macular degeneration? How well do our patients see after cataract surgery? How often do patients develop post-operative infections? In other words, how well do our doctors, nurses and health care professionals manage their patients? At Mass. Eye and Ear and HMS’s Department of Ophthalmology, we have more than a century of experience in leading the world in innovative approaches to eye disease. We founded subspecialty training in cornea, retina and glaucoma, and have developed new treatments for diseases ranging from retinal detachment to corneal scarring to macular degeneration. Now we aim to lead the medical community in the development of outcome measures in ophthalmic care. How are we doing today and how can we improve patient outcomes in the future? This Quality and Outcomes Report is a first, but important step. I would like to thank the Department of Ophthalmology’s Chief Quality Officer, Teresa C. Chen, MD, for her leadership in this project, as well as her team of faculty, administrators and trainees who helped initiate and contribute to this important endeavor. For more information about Mass. Eye and Ear’s Quality Program or the Department of Ophthalmology, please visit our website at www.masseyeandear.org.

Reviews