EHCO interprofessional Eye-care guidelines: Awareness, perspectives and practice of Ontario Eye-care professionals

Abstract

Interprofessional collaboration is suggested to optimize patient care and resource utilization. Our aim was to assess the awareness and perspectives of Ontario eye-care professionals and residents/students regarding the published Eye Health Council of Ontario (EHCO) collaborative guidelines. An 18-question survey about awareness and perspectives of the EHCO guidelines was distributed by email to all eye-care professionals from the Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and Ontario Association of Optometrists; ophthalmology residents at Western University, McMaster University and Ottawa University; and optometry students at the Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science, between February–March 2018. Of 117 respondents, 65.8% were not aware of the guidelines before starting the survey. The largest percentage in each group replied they had not read the guidelines; among those who had read the guidelines, most reported minor or no changes to their clinical practice as a result. In open-answer responses, barriers to IPC practices were identified, including lack of reimbursement and inefficient communication between professions. It is suggested that guidelines be more widely disseminated and reinforced to facilitate successful implementation of IPC practices. Strategies such as training opportunities and more open communication about perspectives, concerns, and expectations of IPC models may aid with introducing collaborative practices in Ontario. • 90% of students were unaware of the EHCO guidelines, compared to 54% of ophthalmologists and 50% of optometrists • Most optometrists and students agreed the guidelines allow professionals to provide better patient care, however most ophthalmologists were neutral • A majority of eye-care professionals reported that the guidelines did not affect their practice at all, or only affected their clinical practice in minor ways • More open discussion and better use of online clinical guidelines and updates, and training/educational opportunities can support implementation of IPC practices in Ontario