Comparing pathways in Audiology for new referrals.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparing patient pathways in Audiology, combined assess and fit versus individual appointments for new referrals. Which results in better patient outcomes and pathway satisfaction?
IRAS ID
239762
Contact name
Melissa McDermott
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
This research will compare two different patient pathways currently offered in Audiology at Bodmin Hospital, a peripheral clinic of the Royal Cornwall Hospital. Pathway 1 is the all-in-one assess and fit pathway where the hearing is assessed and hearing aids are fitted in one 90-minute appointment. Pathway 2 is two 60-minute appointments approximately three weeks apart, the first for a hearing assessment and a further appointment for a hearing aid fitting. Both of these pathways include a post hearing aid fitting telephone follow up.
The aim of this research is to determine whether either of the two pathways results in better hearing aid outcomes and higher pathway satisfaction. This is an important topic as assess and fit style appointments are encouraged by the Department of Health as they help minimise waiting times and maximise the clinicians working day. However, it is unknown whether patients who are seen in one 90-minute appointment have different outcomes to the traditional route of two separate 60-minute appointments. This study will then tell us whether the pathway allocated to patients is hindering their hearing aid outcomes, and whether there is a preference towards one pathway over the other.
The study is open to any patients referred to Audiology under the ‘any qualified provider’ referral guidelines and are aged between 55 and 75, they must also live in Bodmin (East Cornwall) or the surrounding area or wish to be seen at Bodmin Hospital. The study is taking place in Bodmin Hospital outpatients department.
The research process differs from routine Audiology practice through: a pre-appointment phone call to advise the patient of the research taking place, gaining informed consent to take part in this research, and a pathway satisfaction questionnaire which will take place post hearing aid fitting. The study will last between 3-6 months.REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1123
Date of REC Opinion
26 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion