Research into glaucoma and ethnicity (ReGAE) 4: trabeculectomy for advanced glaucoma: the surgical journey of African-Caribbean patients.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the experiences of African-Caribbean patients with advanced glaucoma.


METHODS
Semi-structured qualitative interviews were used to elicit patients' subjective experiences of becoming a glaucoma patient, receiving treatment, undergoing surgery, and its aftermath. Interview transcripts underwent narrative analysis.


RESULTS
The surgeon-patient relationship was central to developing effective coping strategies. Participants described their experiences in terms of what they considered were their responsibilities as patients to the surgeon-patient relationship. They also defined the surgeon's responsibilities and obligations.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of patient narratives provides a valuable resource for enhancing communication skills and relationship-centred care in the hospital eye service.
Cross
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V
Centre for Health and Social Care Improvement, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK. vinette.cross@wlv.ac.uk
Shah
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P
Glynn
M
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Chidrawar
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S
D001294:Attitude to Health; D044383:Black People / Q000208:ethnology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003142:Communication; D005901:Glaucoma / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D033262:Narration; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012941:Social Responsibility; D014130:Trabeculectomy / Q000523:psychology*; D014900:West Indies / Q000208:ethnology