Search

We gave consideration to the new legal obligation to a medical doctor to prove that he has given to a patient adequate information. 312 cases of cataract or glaucoma received written information about their disease and the risks of surgery. An informed consent regarding the operation and the post-opérative care were signed by all patients. Information cover surgical risks, sides effects, unpredictable events, care steps and all last minute protocol modifications. These documents were given when scheduling the surgery. No cancellation and no objection were noticed. The French Code Civil article 1315 was not dedicated to medical exercise but it concerns physicians. The way to give a proof is not clear. Nothing is asked in the by-laws and every medical doctor can choose the method he prefers. A signature is not an obligation and an informed consent is not an authorization. A discussion is opened to clear the best and safest recommendations to obtain a legal proof of information. Now, written texts seem to be the easiest procedure. Quality medical records and personal relation between patient and surgeon are of great importance to prevent patient unsatisfaction and disappointment.

Goal: The purpose of this analysis is to appreciate the patients perception of ambulatory cataract surgery performed in an out patient center localized inside a public hospital., Material and Methods: An anonymous postal questionnaire was designed to cover the aspects of ambulatory surgery which could influence the patients perception. 576 patients were included and the study collected 487 answers to 12 questions. Authors give attention to the pros and cons detected during the study time., Results: The key question shows that most patients recommend this procedure as the treatment of choice. The percentage increases with surgical experience of surgeons: the response rate to the questionnaire was both rapid and impressive. Final visual acuity did not influence significatively the overall perceptions of patients., Conclusion: Answers to the 12 questions point of importance of information, coordination and preparation. A high level of surgical and anesthetic formation is required to obtain an easy out patient ambulatory procedure.