An ophthalmology professionalism survey tool: outcomes from a multi-center study in Central India.

Purpose: To describe a professionalism survey tool and its use to assess knowledge of medical professionalism in ophthalmology training programs in Central India. Settings and Design: Multi-center survey study. Methods: A validated 33-question, scenario-based survey addressing professionalism attributes was administered at five centers in central India. The attributes tested included "personal characteristics," "physician-patient relationships," "workplace practice and relationships," and "socially responsible behaviors." A mean attribute score (%) was calculated and compared to "gold standard" responses by a group of expert senior ophthalmologists (100% agreement for responses). Results: A total of 225 participants completed the survey; 124 residents, 47 fellows, and 54 consultants (98.4% response rate). The total mean attribute score was 80.7 ± 9.1 (min 16.67, max 100). There was variation in the mean attribute score by professionalism attribute (P < 0.001), and a trend toward higher mean attribute scores for consultants compared to trainees across all attribute groups. The scores for "personal characteristics" (93 ± 9.7) and "physician-patient relationship" (82 ± 15.8) were the highest, whereas scores for "socially responsible behaviors" (73.9 ± 18.6) and "workplace practices" were low (72 ± 13). Conclusions: There is a generally high level of professionalism knowledge among ophthalmologists in central India. The results suggest that experience does impact knowledge of professionalism. Potential for improvement in professionalism exists in around "workplace practices", and around "socially responsible behaviors". These findings may serve as a valuable discussion starter and teaching tool to enhance professionalism in ophthalmology training programs.

Efficacy and safety of latanoprost for glaucoma treatment: a three-month multicentric study in India.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of 0.005% topical latanoprost in Indian eyes. DESIGN: Prospective non-randomised open-label multicentric trial. METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients with ocular hypertension (OHT), primary open-angle, pseudoexfoliation or pigmentary glaucoma were enrolled at four centers. Each center contributed at least 20 patients. Following baseline measurements, 0.005% latanoprost was applied topically once daily in the evening for three months. Patients were examined at 2, 6 and 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was mean intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. The mean diurnal variation of IOP (difference between highest and lowest IOP) at baseline and at 12-weeks was compared. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty of 150 enrolled patients completed the study. One randomly selected eye of each patient was included for analysis. At three months, latanoprost reduced the mean IOP from 24.9 (+/- 3.16) mmHg at baseline to 16.10 (+/- 2.7) mmHg, a reduction of 35.25%. 83% had a reduction in IOP of > 25%. The IOP reduction was maintained throughout the study period, and was not affected by gender or age of the patient. One eye did not show any response to the drug. Daytime diurnal variation of IOP was reduced from 4.5 to 2.9 mmHg. 20 patients had conjunctival hyperemia. Six patients had side effects requiring withdrawal from the study. CONCLUSIONS: In this short-term multicentric study, latanoprost effectively reduced IOP and stabilised the diurnal curve in Indian eyes. There were no clinically significant ocular or systemic adverse effects.