Defining client-centred outcomes to demonstrate success of hearing rehabilitation

Abstract

A variety of outcome measures are currently used for the assessment of hearing rehabilitation services in Australia. However, there is to date no consensus about which of these outcome measures should be used. The principles of experience-based co-design suggest that health services, policymakers, and researchers should come together with patients and their families to design health services and define what metrics should be used for their success.

Objectives

To that end, this study aimed to obtain a consensus view of what constitutes successful hearing rehabilitation according to end-users of hearing rehabilitation services (patients and families).

Methods

A sample of hearing services consumers identified as representatives by not-for-profit consumer organisations developed a series of statements that were then disseminated to a national sample of hearing services consumers (including both patients and family members) as part of an online Delphi process. This process continued until consensus was reached.

Results

This study is ongoing. Results to be presented will include the consensus view that was reached on the essential elements of successful hearing rehabilitation.

Conclusion

These results may be used by clinicians and hearing services to inform the development of clinically appropriate and patient-centred metrics for successful hearing rehabilitation.

David Allen

Senior Research Audiologist, Honorary Research Fellow

Dr David Allen is Head of Research at Incept Labs and a Senior Research Audiologist at the National Acoustic Laboratories.