Impact of eye clinic liaison officers: a qualitative study in UK ophthalmology clinics

Abstract

ObjectivesTo explore the impact of eye clinic liaison officers (ECLOs, also known as sight loss advisors) on the processes, functions and quality of ophthalmology clinics through the experiences of ophthalmology staff in the UK.DesignQualitative study.SettingUK hospital ophthalmology clinics.ParticipantsHealth and social care professionals in the UK.ResultsECLOs who had a presence in hospital ophthalmology clinics were seen as valuable in streamlining processes within the clinic, particularly in relation to the certification of visual impairment process, and providing continuity of care for patients when they were discharged from medical treatment. ECLOs also saved staff time in the clinic, as they were often responsible for providing emotional and practical support for patients living with sight loss.ConclusionsECLOs are well placed in ophthalmology clinics. They can relieve pressure on clinical staff by taking on information giving and referring duties, allowing other staff to focus on their clinical responsibilities. The impact of ECLOs may depend on efficient communication with the clinical team, being trusted by other staff and having a good knowledge of local and national sight loss support services outside of the hospital setting. Further research could enhance our understanding of how much time and associated costs ECLOs substitute in the ophthalmology clinic.

Impact of the eye clinic liaison officer at an NHS foundation trust: a retrospective study

“… 14 Furthermore, ECLOs provide a point of contact to ensure that this support is continued after the patient is discharged from medical management. 9 …”

“…A recent publication in association with the RNIB recognised and highlighted the importance of the ECLO role. 9 Furthermore, in the 2013 publication on Age Related Macular Degeneration, the Royal College of Ophthalmologists identified the ECLO as an integral part of the team and specifically named the ECLO as a useful point of contact after the patient has received bad news about their vision. 17 Despite such recognition of the importance of the ECLO role, the largest study on ECLO services in the UK to date found that service provision varies greatly across the region.…”

“…The range of services available includes rehabilitation, mobility training, housing adaptations, access to low vision aids, emotional support and advice regarding benefit entitlement. 9 There is considerable variation in the level of service provision across the UK and most patients receive inadequate information about the options available to them. Thus, it can be difficult for patients to navigate the various agencies independently, and those who are not proactive may be disadvantaged.…”

“…ECLOs form a bridge between healthcare, social care and voluntary services. 9 The Department of Health and Social Care stated that it is ‘good working practice to have ECLOs in hospitals’ as they ‘create a good link between health and social care’ and ‘enhance joined up support for the patient’. 13…”

A Patient Perspective on Quality of Life with wAMD: A Podcast

“…It’s something that the NICE guidelines did bring attention to [ 4 ]. In the UK I think we’re really quite lucky, we have something called eye clinic liaison officers (we call them ECLOs) [ 9 ]—one of their jobs is to take the time to explain to patients what’s going on and to be a point of contact at times of crisis. They’re also trained to give some emotional support and to be aware what help is available in the community.…”