Speech Pathology community-based hearing screening pilot project
Nicolette Varvounis1 1Northern Adelaide Local Health Network, Elizabeth Vale, South Australia, Australia
Abstract
NALHN has implemented an innovative model for hearing screening performed by community-based Speech Pathologists for children who present with a speech delay resulting in early identification of hearing disorders, early access to audiology services and speech pathology via a one stop approach.
Screening children’s hearing at NALHN community sites during their Speech Pathology appointment has enabled families to access immediate results about their child’s hearing and ensure earlier commencement of targeted therapy. Children are more likely to engage with someone they have met before, and at a site they are familiar with. The number of appointments that a family is required to attend is reduced and they do not have to navigate transport to hospital unless deemed necessary by the screening results. Families are more likely to attend an Audiology appointment if their child presents with issues on a hearing screen. From a service access perspective, unnecessary referral to audiology services for these children has resulted in reduced waiting list numbers and improved service access for the broader community in an environment of high service demand.
Data collected March-September 2022 identified that hearing screening had been offered to 34 children and 22/34 children (65%) passed the hearing screen and did not require referral to Audiology. This meant the Speech Pathologist could immediately rule out a hearing issue as a contributing factor to the child’s presenting speech delay. Of the 12 children referred to Audiology for hearing assessment, 5/12 (42%) had hearing issues identified and were referred to ENT; 4/12 (33%) had normal hearing identified and were discharged; and 3/12 (25%) did not attend or declined their appointment and were discharged. The attendance rate for Audiology outpatient clinics has improved from 58% (March -September 2021) to 69% (March -September 2022). Consumer feedback reflects higher satisfaction and stronger preference for this approach.
Biography
Nicolette Varvounis is the Senior Manager of Speech Pathology for the Northern Adelaide Local Health Network which includes leadership of adult and paediatric Speech Pathology services in the acute and community settings. Nicolette has been working as a Speech Pathologist since 2009 with professional background primarily including broad experience with the adult population presenting with swallowing and communications disorders in the acute setting.