M R Nazreen Nihara, Seethapathy Jayashree
Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, India.
J Audiol Otol. 2022 Jul;26(3):130-141. doi: 10.7874/jao.2021.00584. Epub 2022 May 12.
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.
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).
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.
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.
新冠疫情促使远程诊疗在听力保健服务中广泛应用。在本研究中，我们调查了印度听力学家对远程听力学的知识、态度和实践情况。本研究基于印度言语与听力协会针对印度远程听力学服务推荐的远程诊疗指南。
对108名听力学家进行了基于网络的知识、态度和实践问卷调查。问卷包含33个项目，分为以下领域：人口统计学信息及远程听力学的知识、态度和实践。在纳入研究的108名听力学家中，38名承认在新冠疫情之前及期间有过远程听力学实践（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）。
在知识领域总体得分较高，听力学家对远程诊疗的态度不一。大多数受访者认可远程听力学在临床实践中的优势。然而，由于远程诊疗存在的挑战，听力学家对采用这项技术犹豫不决。
尽管有足够的认识和积极的态度，但在远程听力学方面，现有知识与其实际应用之间仍存在差距。远程听力学实践仅限于咨询、听力障碍治疗以及助听器故障排除技巧。采用循证实践在远程模式下进行诊断测试组套、开展实践培训以使用远程模式方法进行诊断测试组套/康复，以及更深入了解远程诊疗的技术要求，可能会产生积极的认知，并鼓励听力学家开展远程听力学实践。专业培训和定期继续教育项目对于在临床实践中推广远程听力学服务很重要。
