Intravitreal injections: what do patients prefer? Analysis of patient's satisfaction and preferences about where to perform intravitreal injections.

OBJECTIVE To analyse satisfaction and patient preferences on the location where they receive an intravitreal injection. METHOD A survey was conducted with the intention of analysing these patients who attended the macula clinic and have been intervened using an intravitreal injection at least once in the day hospital or in the theatre setting, comparing both locations. RESULTS The majority of the interviewed patients preferred the day hospital (50.0 versus 37.5%), mostly because of the comfort and the quick service. In patients with severe age-related macular degeneration (AMD) the option is reversed. The overall satisfaction level was positive in both cases (with 87.5% of patients satisfied or very satisfied in the day hospital and 91.1% in the theatre setting). Through the analysis of different aspects of clinical care the assessment was the same or superior for 75.0% of these patients, except in the waiting time. There were no cases of endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION In general, patients prefer the clinical intervention in the consulting room than in the theatre setting because of the quicker service. There are several characteristics that can influence this choice and should be taken into account.