[Lack of basic ophthalmic information about ocular emergencies among non-ophthalmologists].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the level of ophthalmic information and the proper procedures in ophthalmic emergencies among non- ophthalmologists in charge of the emergency departments of General Hospitals.


METHODS
A questionnaire containing personal data and other information was sent to the medical personnel in charge of emergencies of several general hospitals in Sorocaba (São Paulo) and region. Questions about the diagnosis and management of ocular emergencies were also sent.


RESULTS
100 non-ophthalmologists with 10.5-year average time of practice (1-44 years), of which 74% were male answered the questions. Several specialties were represented, the largest group (23%) being of general practitioners. The great majority (93%) felt insecure when in the presence of an ophthalmic emergency.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a lack of information about the correct diagnosis and management of ocular emergencies among non-ophthalmologists in charge of general hospital emergency services. This study confirms the need of popularization of information among all medical specialties.
Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Sorocaba, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil. rodrigo166@uol.com.br
Rodrigo França de
RF
Espíndola
Frederico Caldeira
FC
Teixeira
Ilana Maeda
IM
Yamakami
Hélvia Ribeiro Freire da
HR
Silva
João Alberto Holanda de
JA
Freitas
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004635:Emergency Medicine / Q000592:standards; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires