Compliance with recommendations from a screening programme for diabetic retinopathy

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Abstract
Methods: General practitioner compliance with recommendations for patient follow‐up after participation in a screening programme for diabetic retinopathy was assessed. Six months after screening with non‐mydriatic retinal photography in four areas of Victoria, the general practitioner of each participant was surveyed if the participant reported no examination for diabetic retinopathy in the past 2 years and if the results of the screening indicated the need for further assessment. Results: Overall, 208 of 253 (82%) completed questionnaires were analysed. A total of 123 (59%) patients were referred by their doctors for further assessment and 97 (79%) of those referred were reported to have complied with the referral. Of the 85 (41%) patients who were not referred for further assessment, 31 (36%) were reported by their doctors to be already under regular review by an ophthalmologist. Conclusions: Compliance with general practitioner referrals suggests that this screening programme was effective and a useful means by which to remind general practitioners of the importance of regular eye examinations for people with diabetes.

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