Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41916688›Full record

ArticleBMJ open ophthalmology2026

Challenges in ophthalmic consultations and strategic communication.

Mariantonia Ferrara, Giorgia Raguzzi, Greta Mezzetti, Antonio Simonetti, Chiara Ancona, Martina Angi, Giuseppe Querques, Mario R Romano, Carlos Rocha de Lossada, Matteo Sacchi and 5 more

Abstract readMulticenter Study
In one paragraph

Article in BMJ open ophthalmology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

15 authors.

Mariantonia FerraraEye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy mariantonia.ferrara@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1191-4989
Giorgia RaguzziAccademia di Comunicazione Strategica, Milano, Italy.
Greta MezzettiAccademia di Comunicazione Strategica, Milano, Italy.
Antonio SimonettiEye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
Chiara AnconaOspedale Fatebenefratelli-Oftalmico, Milano, Italy.
Martina AngiDepartment of Surgical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2703-2056
Giuseppe QuerquesDepartment of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE), Modena, Italy.
Mario R RomanoDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.
Carlos Rocha de LossadaHospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Malaga, Spain.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7464-2493
Matteo SacchiDepartment of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6399-3140
Anna P SalvettiEye Clinic Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milano, Italy.
Giacomo SaviniG.B. Bietti Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
Antonino MinervinoScuola di Psicoterapia Conversazionale, Parma, Italy.
Luca BrambillaAccademia di Comunicazione Strategica, Milano, Italy.
Vito RomanoEye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5148-7643

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveTo explore communication challenges in ophthalmic consultations from both patient and clinician perspectives, and to introduce 'Strategic Communication' as a structured, evidence-based approach aimed at enhancing patient-provider interactions and improving clinical outcomes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Multicentre mixed-method study involving online focus discussion groups and surveys. Eight ophthalmologists and eight patients recruited through the Italian national ophthalmic patient association participated in focus groups moderated by a health communication expert. These discussions explored communication challenges and potential solutions, based on participants' experience. Transcripts were thematically analysed by two independent researchers to identify key challenges and actionable insights. In parallel, quantitative data were collected via two structured questionnaires completed by 139 European ophthalmologists and 184 patients.

resultsKey themes included patients' limited understanding of their conditions, often influenced by misleading online information, and their strong preference for clear, empathetic communication. Clinicians reported that time constraints in public healthcare limited opportunities for meaningful dialogue, while the involvement of family members further complicated interactions. The 'Strategic Communication' framework, particularly the O.D.I. Method (Observe, Demand, Intervene), emerged as a structured framework for tailoring communication strategies to individual needs.

conclusion'Strategic Communication' offers a systematic, conceptual, theory-informed approach to address communication challenges in ophthalmology, with potential relevance for patient-centred care helping structured clinician-patient communication in ophthalmology. The present findings support its practical applicability. Future studies are needed to evaluate its impact on clinical and patient-reported outcomes.

Indexed as

CommunicationEye DiseasesOphthalmologyPhysician-Patient RelationsReferral and ConsultationAdultAgedFemaleFocus GroupsHumansMaleMiddle AgedPatient-Centered CareSurveys and QuestionnairesPublic healthTreatment Expectations

Identifiers

PMID41916688
PMCPMC13052545

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.