Patient’s Perspective and tips for GPs – Elizabeth Wick

Liz has a portfolio of work, working as a Specialist Advisor with the Care Quality Commission inspecting GP practices and is a freelance trainer delivering training to GP surgeries, localities and CCGs.

Liz has central sight loss in her left eye resulting from a trauma when she was 26 and then, aged 40, developed macular degeneration in her right eye.

Introduction

After asking for note from my GP, the one I received had only two words “Going blind”. Hearing this from the GP was devastating as I hadnever been told that before. This led to me being very anxious about life and what the outcome would be.

There many barriers for people with sight loss but there are also a number of things you can do to make things better at the surgery / clinic.

What can my GP do to help me

Know your patients

GPs have a register of patients for many conditions but not sensory loss – I encourage you to get to know your patients.

  • Many older patients may have diagnosed or undiagnosed AMD, - Ask them questions and ask colleagues – Any changes is sight? Increase in falls? Bumping into corners / things?
  • Speak to other staff – Receptionist and front desk staff are key for this
  • How do you contact me? – Ring or send letter? Could you increase font size or put on yellow paper - Ask a patient “would it help if I sent in larger print?”

Use of read codes and communication

  • Utilize read codes
  • Ensure that staff are aware of visual impairment and accessibility requirements
  • Share information when referring a patient

Implement sensory impairment training – All staff

Practical steps to assist your visually impaired patients access your services

Facilities

  • Lighting is key – As a CQC I have been to some clinics that use ‘mood lighting’ sure it’s very pleasant but I can’t see a thing
  • Car park facilities – Is it well lit, are their potholes etc.
  • Flooring – is it old or new? Is there a tattered corner that everyone can see or knows to avoid? Is there a bumpy carpet?
  • Walls – What decoration is there? leaflets etc.
  • Are the doors clearly separated from the walls? are they a different colour?

Waiting room and signage

  • What is the layout? Are toys everywhere? How are chairs laid out, bags etc?Are there obstructions strewn around?
  • Signage – Is everything clearly sighed in large print? Do you use Braille? – Could use coloured shapes, much easier to ‘go to the red circle’
  • Do you call the patients from you room or go to waiting area?
  • Where is the patient information and how is it provided? – Print format etc.

Appointments and front desk

  • My time is restricted to daylight hours and it’s very difficult to get around in the dark so an appointment at 4.30pm in the winter is not suitable
  • What is the check in system? Touch screen only or are staff available? Need to make exceptions – Let front desk know I’m coming
  • Is there a board for patients that I can’t see – Make exceptions but think ‘should I be an exception?’