A chalazion is a localised cystic swelling that forms on the upper or lower eyelids. They are formed from the blockage of the Meibomian glands and are also called Meibomian cysts. Few cause complications of cellulitis and conjunctivitis. The majority are unsightly and uncomfortable. It has been suggested that approximately 25-50% resolve with lid hygiene and hot compressors.^1,2 The most recent prospective study shows a 46% resolution rate within 3 weeks of hot wet compressors.³ Further intervention includes injection of triamcinolone or surgical incision and curettage. Resolution rates in the triamcinolone acetonide injection and surgical treatment groups in the most recent study were found to be similar at 84% and 87 %.³ However long tern efficacy of triamcinolone was questioned in a study with patients requiring further injections for resolution.⁴ There have been a few cases of depigmentation with triamcinolone injections with certain administrative routes.⁵ Although pain scores maybe higher in surgical intervention there is good resolution rate. High success rates have been consistent in the medical literature.^3,6−8 This mode of treatment was chosen for our study comparing surgeries of chalazia under nursing and medical staff. The quality of care received by patients was the focus of the study with aims to expand nursing led minor operations. Given the climate of health economics and rationalisation utilising the existing skilled nursing staff seems like a sustainable solution to diminishing resources paralleled with increased demand for quality service.

To prospectively study the quality of care of surgical treatment of chalazia provided by nursing and medical staff at a tertiary referral centre.

Patients undertaking chalazion removal with incision and curettage were asked to fill out a voluntary questionnaire regarding the quality of care they received during their operation including pain scores, overall service, and adequate explanation of procedure and answering of questions. Space was given in the survey for feedback and general comments. The questionnaire was given and completed by the patient before leaving the department following procedure and submitted to the receptionist or department staff. Patient inclusion and exclusion criteria are outlined in Table 1. All surgeries were performed in the minor operations room within the casualty department. Surgeries were performed by either Ophthalmic Nurse Practitioners or ophthalmology SHO. Both health professionals performed Incision and Curettage with a chalazion clamp. Local anaesthetic injected was standardized and all patients were given premixed Xylocaine with 1:200000 adrenaline. 50 surveys were completed for the nursing led surgery between January to March 2010. 44 surveys were completed for SHO led surgery between November 2010 and March 2011. Questionnaires were collected by one investigator not involved in the surgery. All patients had the same post operative care. Patients were given Chloramphenicol ointment for one week to treated eye and asked to undertake hot compressors and lid hygiene post operatively. A pamphlet was given on chalazion treatment and post operative care. Lid hygiene and hot compressors education was given to every patient. 41 patients were surveyed and asked who they would prefer for the management of their chalazion. 5% choose a nurse, 46% a doctor and 49% choose either.

This procedure was performed under sterile conditions with prepping of the face and draping. The surgeon wore theatre scrubs and sterile gloves. Patients were laid on an operating trolley. Patients received 0.5% proxymethacaine and/or tetracycline topically to the conjunctiva to both eyes and the facial skin was prepped with betadine or chlorhexidine. Up to 1ml of premixed Xylocaine with 1:200000 adrenaline was given on insulin syringe and needle (30 gages). The skin was checked for anesthesia. A chalazion clamp was placed over the chalazion. A vertical incision was made follow by curettage of the chalazion to break up any inoculations. The eye lid was palpated to check for further chalazion and effectiveness. The eye was double padded with gelanet for 4 hours.

Of the 94 patients survey 44% were female and 56% were male. The mean age was 45 years. Results of the questionnaire are outlined in Table 2. Patients’ comments are presented in Table 3. The service provided for chalazion removal was well received. Overall there was no difference between quality of care between the nursing and medical staff. There were some points highlighted by patients regarding the general practice referral and pre appointment information.

The last study looking at outcomes for nursing and medical staff was performed over a decade ago.7 Conservative treatment was found to be successful for 29% of cysts while surgical treatment was successful for 72%. There was no significant difference in treatment outcome between nurse and SHO groups.7 Our study showed mirrors results with patients overall rating the service to be good or excellent. Our study concentrates on assessing the quality of care patients received during the whole process. All patients found nurse treatment acceptable with a high level of patient satisfaction, adequate pain control and quality of care. This was similar for the medical staff. Most comments were regards to general practitioner referrals. Questionnaires were given on the day of surgery to ensure compliance and this may have introduced bias in the results. Staff performing the procedure was aware of the survey which may have bias the high satisfaction scores. Patients may have felt they had to give a higher overall score. Although all patients who had the surgery were given questionnaires they were entirely voluntary. Patients were required to hand the survey to the reception staff or allocated box at reception. It is possible a cohort of patients was missed and did not hand in the questionnaire. The questionnaires collected in a sealed box were only handled by the investigator who did not perform any of the procedures. At presents approximately 7 chalazion surgeries are performed on each minor operations list. Our modest numbers reflects list cancellations during leave and the Christmas period. As more nursing staff are trained to perform chalazion surgery cancelled lists may not be an issue with adequate cross cover of medical and nursing staff. Patient also failed to turn up and this may be due to miss information from the general practice referral. This study further reiterates the need to address patient quality of care in an under resourced health system. Nurse led chalazion removal has shown to a safe effective solution to future economic rationalization for elective minor procedures. We have shown a high level of quality of care for the service and scope for future cost effect growth.

None.

Author declares that there is no conflict of interest.