A qualitative study showing that a telecare tool can have benefits before and during the initial hearing assessment appointment

Objective: To examine patient and audiologist experiences and perspectives of using a patient-centred telecare tool, the Ida Institute’s Why Improve My Hearing? (WIMH) Tool, before and during the initial hearing assessment appointment.

Design: A qualitative study comprising individual semi-structured interviews using a maximum variation sampling strategy. The data were analysed using an established thematic analysis technique.

Study sample: Fifteen participants, including ten patients (i.e. adults with hearing loss) and five audiologists, were recruited from Adult Audiology Services within the United Kingdom’s publicly-funded National Health Service (NHS).

Results: Three themes described the impact of using the WIMH Tool. Theme 1 (i.e. enhanced preparation before the appointment): the Tool helps patients to better understand and accept their hearing difficulties in advance of their first appointment. Theme 2 (i.e. enriched discussion during the appointment): the tool can enhance patient-centred communication, as well as the efficiency of the appointment. Theme 3 (i.e. varied impact on outcomes following the appointment): the Tool can improve patient motivation, readiness, and involvement in decision-making, though it may have limited impact on additional outcomes, such as adherence.

Conclusion: The WIMH Tool can be successfully implemented in audiological practice, resulting in benefits before and during the initial hearing assessment appointment.