Decision-Making in Audiology: Balancing Evidence-Based Practice and Patient-Centered Care

Bibliographic Details
Title: Decision-Making in Audiology: Balancing Evidence-Based Practice and Patient-Centered Care
Authors: Isabelle Boisvert, Jennifer Clemesha, Erik Lundmark, Erica Crome, Caitlin Barr, Catherine M. McMahon
Source: Trends in Hearing, Vol 21 (2017)
Publisher Information: SAGE Publishing, 2017.
Publication Year: 2017
Collection: LCC:Otorhinolaryngology
Subject Terms: Otorhinolaryngology, RF1-547
More Details: Health-care service delivery models have evolved from a practitioner-centered approach toward a patient-centered ideal. Concurrently, increasing emphasis has been placed on the use of empirical evidence in decision-making to increase clinical accountability. The way in which clinicians use empirical evidence and client preferences to inform decision-making provides an insight into health-care delivery models utilized in clinical practice. The present study aimed to investigate the sources of information audiologists use when discussing rehabilitation choices with clients, and discuss the findings within the context of evidence-based practice and patient-centered care. To assess the changes that may have occurred over time, this study uses a questionnaire based on one of the few studies of decision-making behavior in audiologists, published in 1989. The present questionnaire was completed by 96 audiologists who attended the World Congress of Audiology in 2014. The responses were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative approaches. Results suggest that audiologists rank clinical test results and client preferences as the most important factors for decision-making. Discussion with colleagues or experts was also frequently reported as an important source influencing decision-making. Approximately 20% of audiologists mentioned utilizing research evidence to inform decision-making when no clear solution was available. Information shared at conferences was ranked low in terms of importance and reliability. This study highlights an increase in awareness of concepts associated with evidence-based practice and patient-centered care within audiology settings, consistent with current research-to-practice dissemination pathways. It also highlights that these pathways may not be sufficient for an effective clinical implementation of these practices.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 2331-2165
23312165
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/2331-2165
DOI: 10.1177/2331216517706397
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/8c96d345f9394977a3cf52e74e633935
Accession Number: edsdoj.8c96d345f9394977a3cf52e74e633935
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
More Details
ISSN:23312165
DOI:10.1177/2331216517706397
Published in:Trends in Hearing
Language:English