Prevailing clinical practices regarding screening for retinopathy of prematurity among pediatricians in India: a pilot survey.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prevailing practices for proper screening and referral scheme among Indian pediatricians for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).


METHODS
Pediatricians registered with Indian Academy of Pediatrics from six states of India were selected randomly and were telephonically interviewed in accordance with a preformed questionnaire which comprised of questions regarding demographic factors, number of premature children seen per month, awareness and referral scheme to ophthalmologist; responses thus obtained were analyzed.


RESULTS
Hundred percent knowledge about ROP and need for screening in premature babies was observed among the respondents. However, only 135 (58%) pediatricians always referred for ROP screening, 19 (8%) referred only sometimes and 80 (34%) did not refer at all. Consistent referral protocols taking into account all plausible risk factors for ROP were followed by only 25% of those who always referred. Major deterrent in ROP screening was perceived as non-availability of trained ophthalmologists.


CONCLUSIONS
Only 14.5% of total pediatricians contacted were following international recommendations for ROP referral. Screening for ROP remains dismal as observed in this pilot survey as a consequence of non-availability of trained ophthalmologists as well as inconsistent screening guidelines.
Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Saurabh Dileep
SD
Patwardhan
Rajvardhan
R
Azad
Varun
V
Gogia
Parijat
P
Chandra
Shikha
S
Gupta
D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011364:Professional Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012178:Retinopathy of Prematurity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors