Outpatient ophthalmic plastic surgery: outcomes and patient satisfaction using initial postoperative telephone call follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of using a telephone call within 24 hours as the initial follow-up after outpatient ophthalmic plastic surgery, deferring the first postoperative visit 4 to 7 days.


METHODS
We prospectively evaluated clinical outcomes, including complications and patient satisfaction, after 469 outpatient eyelid, lacrimal and anterior orbital procedures. Patient satisfaction was assessed with a 13-item questionnaire.


RESULTS
Response to the questionnaire was 282 of 469 (60%) patients. Essentially, all patients responding to the questionnaire who received a telephone call believed that it was helpful and their questions and concerned were adequately addressed. Only 4 of 274 (1%) patients without a planned 24-hour visit indicated that they would have preferred being seen in the office. Complications of a minor nature were noted in 12 of 469 (3%) patients, none of which adversely affected clinical outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that a telephone call on the initial postoperative day, deferring the first visit 4 to 7 days, is a safe, cost-effective strategy with high patient acceptance for most types of eyelid and lacrimal surgery, as well as some types of orbital surgery.
Cooper
H M
HM
Lions Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Albany Medical College, New York 12208, USA.
Meyer
D R
DR
D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D005141:Eyelid Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012449:Safety; D013518:Surgery, Plastic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone