Data from: A qualitative study of stakeholder views regarding participation in locally commissioned enhanced optometric services

Objectives: to explore the views of optometrists, GPs and ophthalmologists regarding the development and organisation of community-based enhanced optometric services Design: qualitative study using free-text questionnaires and telephone interviews Setting: a Minor Eye Conditions Scheme (MECS) and a Glaucoma Referral Refinement Scheme (GRRS) based in accredited community optometry practices Participants: 41 optometrists, 6 ophthalmologists and 25 GPs Results: the most common reason given by optometrists for participation in enhanced schemes was to further their professional development; however as providers of ‘for-profit’ healthcare, it was clear that participants had also considered the impact of the schemes on their business. Lack of fit with the ‘retail’ business model of optometry was a frequently given reason for non-participation. The methods used for training and accreditation were generally thought to be appropriate, and participating optometrists welcomed the opportunities for ongoing training. The ophthalmologists involved in the MECS and GRRS expressed very positive views regarding the schemes and widely acknowledged that the new care pathways would reduce unnecessary referrals and shorten patient waiting times. GPs involved in the MECS were also very supportive. They felt that the scheme provided an ‘expert’ local opinion that could potentially reduce the number of secondary care referrals. Conclusions: the results of this study demonstrated strong stakeholder support for the development of community-based enhanced optometric services. Although optometrists welcomed the opportunity to develop their professional skills and knowledge, enhanced schemes must also provide a sufficient financial incentive so as not to compromise the profitability of their business.研究目标：探究验光师、全科医生（General Practitioners, GPs）与眼科医师对基于社区的强化验光服务的发展与组织架构的看法。研究设计：采用自由文本问卷与电话访谈开展的质性研究。研究场景：设于经认证的社区验光诊所的轻度眼部疾病计划（Minor Eye Conditions Scheme, MECS）与青光眼转诊优化计划（Glaucoma Referral Refinement Scheme, GRRS）。研究对象：41名验光师、6名眼科医师以及25名全科医生。研究结果：验光师参与强化服务计划最常见的动因为提升自身专业发展水平；然而作为“营利性”医疗服务提供者，参与对象显然也考量了该计划对其业务的影响。与验光行业的“零售”商业模式不匹配，是诸多参与者提及的不参与计划的常见原因。多数参与者认为当前用于培训与认证的方法较为恰当，参与计划的验光师也对持续培训的机会表示欢迎。参与MECS与GRRS的眼科医师对两项计划持极为积极的态度，并普遍认可新的照护路径可减少不必要的转诊并缩短患者等待时长。参与MECS的全科医生也给予了高度支持，他们认为该计划可提供“专科级”的本地诊疗意见，有望减少二级医疗转诊的数量。研究结论：本研究结果显示，利益相关方对社区强化验光服务的发展抱有强烈支持态度。尽管验光师欢迎提升专业技能与知识的机会，但强化服务计划也必须提供足够的财务激励，以免损害其业务的盈利能力。