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Readiness of paediatric audiology services for newborn hearing screening: findings and implications from the
Kai Uus1, John Bamford, Alys Young
1Human Communication & Deafness Group, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. kai.uus@man.ac.uk
Insights
The Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP) in England shows varied audiology practices and referral expectations. Professionals need more training to manage the program
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Public Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- The UK government is evaluating the implementation of the Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP).
- The evaluation assesses the impact of NHSP on follow-up services, including audiology, education, and social services.
- This study focuses specifically on the impact on paediatric audiology services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present results from a mixed-method research study on paediatric audiology services within the NHSP.
- To identify variations in current practices, referral numbers, and caseload management in audiology.
- To understand audiology professionals' expectations regarding changes due to NHSP implementation.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-method research study was conducted.
- Data was collected from paediatric audiology services involved in the NHSP.
- Analysis focused on routine tests, referral numbers, caseloads, and professional expectations.
Main Results:
- Significant variety in routine audiology tests and procedures was observed.
- Considerable variability exists in current referral numbers and time allocated to caseloads.
- Expectations about changes in referral numbers post-NHSP implementation varied considerably among professionals.
Conclusions:
- The findings highlight the urgent need for further training for audiology professionals.
- The study provides insights for audiology services preparing to implement NHSP in the UK.
- Results are relevant for audiology services and professionals in other countries considering similar screening programs.
Abstract:
As well as evaluating the newborn hearing screen itself, the government-funded evaluation of the implementation of a Newborn Hearing Screening Programme (NHSP) in England is assessing the impact of the screen on follow-up services. In the UK context, these are principally paediatric audiology, education, and social services. This article presents results from a mixed method research study involving paediatric audiology services specifically. Results demonstrate significant variety in current practice with regard to routine tests and procedures, considerable variability in number of current referrals and time allocated to caseloads, and considerable variability in expectations of how the numbers will change following newborn screening implementation. The challenges of and opportunities afforded by NHSP which were identified by respondents, highlight the urgent need for further training. The study has implications for paediatric audiology services that are yet to start NHSP in the UK, as well as for services and professionals in other countries.
