Ms Felicity Hood1, Dr Melinda Barker1,2,3, Dr Zeffie Poulakis1,2,3
1Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program, Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, , , 2Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, , , 3Prevention Innovation, Population Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, ,
Purpose:
To investigate when and how Victorian families choose not to commence or complete hearing screening for their babies.
Scope:
This project includes analysis of eligible babies born between January 2005 and December 2021 who did not complete their hearing screening pathway.
The Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program (VIHSP) data were analysed to determine when and how families disengaged from the hearing screening pathway. Variables included the rate of disengagement, the hearing screening pathway exit point, the method families choose to disengage (decline, lost contact, in process) and finally, the timing of the disengagement.
In addition, possible factors influencing engagement in the hearing screening pathway were also examined. These included communication methods, postcode, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status, language, and history of transfer between screening sites.
The impact of engagement improvements (e.g. follow-up protocols, LOTE resources for new and emerging languages), innovations (e.g. SMS outpatient messaging services) and the COVID-19 pandemic was also examined.
Issue:
VIHSP provides informed choice hearing screening for all babies born in Victoria and meets participation key performance indicators. Are there factors that lead families to not commence or not complete their babies’ hearing screening that could be addressed by changing VIHSP practice?
Outcome/Conclusion:
Previous data analysis (DOB 2005 – 2015) showed that during implementation of state-wide newborn hearing screening in Victoria, the number of babies with a lost contact outcome reduced at every stage of the hearing screening pathway. Comparison of sub-groups showed a difference in lost contact rates for babies who were referred to audiology (range 0.75% – 3.20% for screen referrals, 0% – 11.88% for direct referrals) but remained static (0.27%) for babies who did not commence or complete their screening. These data will be updated with the complete 2005 to 2021 dataset and the analyses repeated for comparison.
Biography:
Felicity entered the field of newborn hearing screening from a nursing background including midwifery, community health and research. Felicity has worked in a number of roles in the Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program including Area Manager and Senior Area Manager. Her current role is Senior Project Officer at the Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program.
Felicity Hood RN, BAppSc (Advanced Nursing), MHlthSci, GradDipBioeth
felicity.hood@rch.org.au