Gaps in access for diabetic patients with cataracts to the Ocular Microsurgery Center

Authors

Keywords:

access; cataract; diabetes mellitus; gaps

Abstract

Introduction: The first level of health care is essential to ensure universal access to quality services. This level encompasses activities of promotion, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, and focuses on addressing the health needs of the population in a comprehensive manner.

Objective: To identify the gaps in the first level of care for the access of diabetic patients with cataracts to the Micro Eye Surgery Center.

Methods: a qualitative phenomenological study was conducted with a managerial approach. Fieldwork was carried out in the municipalities of La Lisa, Marianao, and Playa where the experiences and expectations of family doctors and ophthalmologists at the first level of care for patients were explored.

Results: Gaps: superficial care; incomplete authority; bureaucratic burden; burden greater than capacity; compression; insufficient competencies; interrupted continuity; unbalanced priorities; disconnected providers; imbalance of workloads; absence of teamwork; unprioritized care; disoriented flows; obsolete conventions; postponed decisions; incomplete programs; erroneous diagnoses; time is insufficient; provider insecurity; incomplete exams; excessive tasks; absent providers; verticalized programs; patient indiscipline; lack of diagnostic means.

Conclusions: The gaps reflect that the first level of care faces multiple challenges in terms of administrative organization, skills and coordination capabilities, as well as the availability of time, training and resources.

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References

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Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

1.
Hormigó Puertas IF, Chiang Rodríguez C, Cuan Aguilar Y, Corral Martín A, Hernández Velázquez Y, Ávalos García MI, et al. Gaps in access for diabetic patients with cataracts to the Ocular Microsurgery Center. Rev. cuba. med. mil [Internet]. 2026 Mar. 31 [cited 2026 Apr. 2];55(2):e026077251. Available from: https://revmedmilitar.sld.cu/index.php/mil/article/view/77251

Issue

Vol. 55 No. 2 (2026): April - June (In Progress...)

Section

Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2026 Iraisi Francisca Hormigó Puertas

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