Tele-Audiology in India: Current and Future Trends in Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Among Audiologists

IF 1.1 Q3 OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY

Journal of Audiology and Otology Pub Date : 2022-05-12 DOI:10.7874/jao.2021.00584

Nazreen Nihara M R, Jayashree Seethapathy

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引用次数: 2

Abstract

Background and Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread use of telepractice in hearing health care services. In this study, we investigated the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of tele-audiology among Indian audiologists. The current study is based on tele-practice guidelines recommended by the Indian Speech and Hearing Association for tele-audiology services in India. Subjects and Methods An internet-based KAP questionnaire survey was performed among 108 audiologists. The questionnaire included 33 items categorized under the following domains: demographic information and KAP of tele-audiology. Of the 108 audiologists included in the study, 38 admitted to the practice of tele-audiology previously and during the COVID-19 pandemic (tele-practitioners), and 70 respondents had no experience of tele-audiology (non-telepractitioners). Results Overall higher scores were observed with regard to the knowledge domain, and a mixed attitude regarding tele-practice was observed among audiologists. Most respondents acknowledged the advantages of tele-audiology in clinical practice. However, audiologists were hesitant to utilize this technology owing to the challenges associated with tele-practice. Conclusions Despite adequate awareness and a positive attitude, a gap is observed between available knowledge and its actual application/utilization in tele-audiology. Tele-audiology practice was limited to counseling, hearing impairment treatment, and troubleshooting tips for hearing aids. Evidence-based practices to perform diagnostic test battery in tele-mode, hands-on training to run diagnostic test battery/rehabilitation using a tele-mode approach, and greater understanding of the technical requirements for tele-practice may result in a positive perception and encourage tele-audiology practice among audiologists. Specialized training and regular continuing education programmes are important to promote tele-audiology services in clinical practice.

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印度的远程听力学:听力学家在知识、态度和实践方面的当前和未来趋势

背景与目的2019冠状病毒病大流行导致远程医疗在听力卫生保健服务中的广泛应用。在本研究中，我们调查了印度听力学家远程听力学的知识、态度和实践(KAP)。目前的研究是基于印度语言和听力协会为印度远程听力学服务推荐的远程实践指南。对象与方法对108名听力学家进行网络KAP问卷调查。问卷共33项，分为人口统计信息和远程听力学KAP。在研究中包括的108名听力学家中，38名承认在COVID-19大流行之前和期间进行过远程听力学实践(远程从业者)，70名受访者没有远程听力学经验(非远程从业者)。结果听力学家在知识领域的得分总体较高，对远程练习的态度不一。大多数应答者承认远程听力学在临床实践中的优势。然而，听力学家对利用这项技术犹豫不决，因为与远程实践相关的挑战。结论:尽管有充分的认识和积极的态度，但在远程听力学中，现有知识与其实际应用/利用之间存在差距。远程听力学实践仅限于咨询、听力损伤治疗和助听器故障排除提示。在远程模式下进行诊断测试电池的循证实践，使用远程模式方法进行诊断测试电池/康复的实践培训，以及对远程实践的技术要求的更深入了解，可能会产生积极的看法，并鼓励听力学家进行远程听力学实践。专业培训和定期继续教育计划对于促进远程听力学服务在临床实践中发挥重要作用。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Audiology and Otology OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY-

CiteScore

1.90

自引率

9.10%

发文量

期刊介绍： Journal of Audiology and Otology (JAO) (formerly known as Korean Journal of Audiology) aims to publish the most advanced findings for all aspects of the auditory and vestibular system and diseases of the ear using state-of-the-art techniques and analyses. The journal covers recent trends related to the topics of audiology, otology, and neurotology conducted by professionals, with the goal of providing better possible treatment to people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, who suffer from auditory and/or vestibular disorders and thus, improving their quality of life. This journal encourages the submission of review papers about current professional issues, research papers presenting a scientific base and clinical application, and case papers with unique reports or clinical trials. We also invite letters to the editor and papers related to the manufacture and distribution of medical devices. This journal provides integrated views from otologists, audiologists, and other healthcare practitioners, offering readers high quality scientific and clinical information. This peer-reviewed and open access journal has been the official journal of the Korean Audiological Society since 1997 and of both the Korean Audiological Society and the Korean Otological Society since 2017. It is published in English four times a year in January, April, July, and October.