{
  "abstract": "Objective To 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.Results Key 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.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Eye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "Mariantonia Ferrara"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Accademia di Comunicazione Strategica, Milano, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "Giorgia Raguzzi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Accademia di Comunicazione Strategica, Milano, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "Greta Mezzetti"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Eye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "Antonio Simonetti"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Ospedale Fatebenefratelli-Oftalmico, Milano, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "Chiara Ancona"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Surgical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "Martina Angi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Surgical, Medical, Dental and Morphological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (UNIMORE), Modena, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "Giuseppe Querques"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy",
        "Department of Ophthalmology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milano, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "Mario R Romano"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Malaga, Spain",
        "Ophthalmology Department, Hospital Vithas Malaga, Malaga, Spain",
        "Qvision, Ophthalmology Department, Vithas Almería, Almeria, Spain",
        "Surgery Department, Ophthalmology Area, University of Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain"
      ],
      "name": "Carlos Rocha de lossada"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy",
        "Ophthalmology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Sassari, Sassari, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "Matteo Sacchi"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Eye Clinic Luigi Sacco Hospital, University of Milan, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milano, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "Anna P Salvetti"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "G.B. Bietti Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "Giacomo Savini"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Scuola di Psicoterapia Conversazionale, Parma, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "Antonino Minervino"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Accademia di Comunicazione Strategica, Milano, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "Luca Brambilla"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Eye Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy"
      ],
      "name": "Vito Romano"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Challenges in ophthalmic consultations and strategic communication",
  "uid": "1b154ffe-878c-5557-bb93-f63e55ac429b"
}