Today the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) published new information about patient-reported health improvement following cataract surgery.

London, 6 September, 2022: The public can now get a better understanding of how likely it is that their operation will lead to an improvement in their health. The new information is being published for approximately one fifth (42) [1] of 227 independent hospitals providing cataract procedures. [2]

The new publication adds to the wealth of information already published by PHIN on its website (phin.org.uk) and elsewhere about hospital performance.

Furthermore, to assist public authorities, researchers, clinicians and hospitals in understanding and analysing services to private patients in the UK, PHIN has also made the information available in a downloadable and analysable format. [3]

Jayne Scott, PHIN Chair said:

“The publication of health improvement information following cataract surgery is a hugely positive step in helping patients to make informed choices about their private healthcare. It is also important information for hospitals, consultants and others within the sector to help identify where improvements can be made in the care they deliver.
“PHIN will continue to work alongside hospitals to increase future participation and response rates.”

PHIN has produced a short guide to Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) to help members of the public considering which healthcare provider is right for them. [4]

The publication of this information follows a 2014 investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which found there was a lack of information about quality, safety and price for patients considering private treatment in the UK. [5]

Notes

  1. Overall, PHIN received outcome data from 76 hospitals. However, the results for 34 of them could not be published due to the small number of cases involved and the consequent risk of patient re-identification.
  2. Cataract eligible procedures as defined by the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement ICHOM.
  3. The downloadable view of this publication, along with explanations and caveats, is available here.
  4. PHIN has produced a guide to PROMs for patients visiting PHIN’s website. This is available here.