Comparison of a visiting subspecialist ophthalmology service to Royal Darwin Hospital with interstate transfers: Costs and clinical outcomes of treatment.

Danny Lam; Madelaine Moore; Michelle Cunich; Stewart Lake; I-Van Ho; Peter McCluskey; Tharmalingam Mahendrarajah

Just Accepted

This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Comparison of a visiting subspecialist ophthalmology service to Royal Darwin Hospital with interstate transfers: Costs and clinical outcomes of treatment.

Danny Lam, Madelaine Moore, Michelle Cunich, Stewart Lake, I-Van Ho, Peter McCluskey, Tharmalingam Mahendrarajah

Abstract

Objective: To compared the costs and clinical outcomes of treating patients with retinal diseases requiring surgery managed locally in Darwin through a visiting subspecialist ophthalmology service or transferred to interstate tertiary eye centres. Methods: A retrospective case series of 70 consecutive patients presenting to the Royal Darwin Hospital for vitreo-retinal surgery during the calendar years 2018 and 2019. Results: Twenty two of the 29 patients in the transfer group had a retinal detachment and five vitreous haemorrhage. The 41 patients managed in Darwin had a range of diagnoses. Surgical success, complications and costs were similar. Conclusion: There were excellent clinical outcomes and a minimal insignificant difference in costs.

AH23263 Accepted 17 September 2024