Voices From the Field: A Quality Improvement Project for Progressive Tinnitus Management 2.0

Khaya Clark ^1,2,3, Suheily Lovelace ^4,5, John C Moring ⁶

⁰National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research (NCRAR), VA Portland Health Care System, OR.

American Journal of Audiology +

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October 8, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study updated the Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) protocol using clinician and patient feedback. The revised PTM materials, including handbooks and slides, are now more user-friendly and clinically acceptable for managing tinnitus.

Area Of Science

Audiology
Behavioral Health
Quality Improvement

Background

Tinnitus is a prevalent condition, especially among military Veterans, and is the most common service-connected disability.
While there is no cure, interventions like Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) help manage tinnitus and its impact.
PTM, a protocol involving audiological and behavioral health services, was endorsed by VA audiology leadership in 2009.

Purpose Of The Study

To update and improve the PTM protocol based on new clinical insights and research findings.
To gather feedback from clinicians and patients on existing PTM materials.
To enhance the PTM protocol in response to user experiences and recommendations.

Main Methods

A two-phase quality improvement project utilizing a convergent parallel mixed-methods design.
Collected quantitative and qualitative feedback from Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DOD) clinicians and patients.
Phase 1 involved interviews and surveys on PTM handbook/workbook revisions; Phase 2 pilot-tested revised PTM PowerPoint slides with patients.

Main Results

Phase 1 yielded recommendations for content modification, format changes, and electronic adaptations (e.g., clickable index).
Phase 2 indicated that the revised PTM PowerPoint slides were useful and clinically acceptable for skills education.
Feedback informed necessary revisions to PTM materials.

Conclusions

The study findings are actively being used to revise and update PTM skills education session materials.
Demonstrates the critical importance of end-user input for effective clinical updates and protocol improvements.
Emphasizes the iterative nature of refining clinical protocols to meet evolving needs.