Cataract Ambulatory Surgery: Patients Experiences at the Kumasi South Hospital in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Patient Experiences with Ambulatory Cataract Surgery

Abstract

Cataract surgery, a well-established medical procedure, has evolved over the years, increasingly adopting ambulatory surgery, where patients can return home on the same day, leading to benefits like reduced costs and improved patient convenience. Meanwhile, limited studies have been conducted in Ghana to explore the experiences of patients undergoing cataract ambulatory surgery. This qualitative study explored patients' experiences with ambulatory cataract surgery at the Eye Clinic of Kumasi South Hospital. The study adopted the Expectancy-Disconfirmation Theoretical (EDT) framework while also employing purposive sampling to gather data from participants. A semi-structured interview guide was used to gather data from 22 participants. The study revealed that participants reported positive experiences with the surgery itself, along with satisfaction with procedures and staff interactions. This underlies the importance of client-centred care and effective communication. The findings suggest prioritszing comprehensive preoperative counselling to enhance client satisfaction and reduce post-operative emotional distress.