Provision of a preparatory information video for parents prior to an infant's diagnostic audiological assessment: a randomised controlled trial
Alison Jagger1, Jane Sheehan1, Kate L Francis2
1Centre for Community Child Health, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Insights
A preparatory video significantly improved parent knowledge about infant audiology testing, enhancing health literacy. While anxiety levels remained unchanged, the video is recommended for routine use before audiology appointments.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Health Literacy
- Parental Education
Background:
- Infant diagnostic audiology follows newborn hearing screening.
- Parental knowledge and anxiety can impact audiological appointment outcomes.
- Effective communication strategies are crucial for healthcare providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of a pre-audiology information video on parental knowledge and anxiety.
- To evaluate the video's impact on preparedness for infant diagnostic audiology.
- To determine if the video influences the efficiency of diagnostic audiology services.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial compared video intervention with usual care for parents of infants referred to audiology.
- Parental knowledge was measured using a questionnaire (0-9 score), and anxiety with a standardized tool.
- Diagnostic audiology appointment efficiency and parent feedback were also assessed.
Main Results:
- The video group showed a significant increase in knowledge scores (2.1 points higher).
- Correct response rates on knowledge items improved by up to 48% in the intervention group.
- No significant differences were found in anxiety levels or the number of appointments needed for diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Routine use of preparatory videos before infant diagnostic audiology is recommended.
- Video information enhances parental knowledge and preparedness, supporting health literacy.
- Integrating video resources into clinical services is an effective strategy for improving patient understanding.
Purpose:
To evaluate the impact of a preparatory information video on parent knowledge and anxiety. The video was viewed prior to infant diagnostic audiology, following referral from a universal newborn hearing screening program.
Methods:
Randomised controlled trial comparing the provision of an information video in addition to usual care (intervention) versus usual care only. Parents of infants who were referred to audiology by the Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program between February and December 2024 were assessed for eligibility. Parent knowledge and preparedness about infant audiological testing was measured using a study designed questionnaire (score range 0-9) and anxiety was assessed using a standardised measure. Mean differences were compared between the groups. Number of appointments required to reach a complete diagnosis was also measured and parent feedback regarding usefulness of the video was sought.
Results:
The intervention group scored 2.1 (95 % confidence interval 1.6-2.6) points higher on total knowledge score compared to the usual care group. Analysis of knowledge questionnaire items at an individual level showed the proportion of correct responses was up to 48 % higher in the intervention group. No difference in anxiety scores or the number of appointments required to reach a complete diagnosis was observed. More than 94 % of participants would recommend the video to other parents.
Conclusion:
Routine provision of preparatory video information prior to infant diagnostic audiology is recommended. In addition to usual care, video information embedded within clinical services can improve parent knowledge and preparedness, and support parent health literacy. Trial ID ACTRN12623000886684.
