Rachael Hyder1, Mrs Uma Senaka1, Ms Shantelle Lucas-Ballie2
1University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Otitis media (OM) is one of the leading causes of disease among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the prevalence of OM in some Aboriginal communities is close to 10 times higher than non-Aboriginal populations, and is a serious public health problem requiring urgent attention. Early onset of OM in Aboriginal infants within the first months of life increases the risk of persistent OM with effusion, hearing loss, language delay, and learning difficulties. Wathaurong Best Start, Barwon Health, and Maternal & Child Health Nurses (MCHN) in Geelong partnered with the goal to improve early identification of middle ear pathology (MEP) associated with OM, by the provision of diagnostic audiological assessment.
A ‘Plan-Do-Study-Act’ (PDSA) quality improvement methodology was used to engage partners and refine the referral pathway between MCHN and Audiology. Over 12 months 49 infants were identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander by MCHN at their 2 week developmental check. These infants were offered full infant diagnostic assessment and tympanometry at Barwon Health.
A total of 34 patients attended, with 25 infants (74%) found to have normal hearing and healthy ears and 9 infants (26%) found to have MEP, with/without associated hearing loss. All had initially passed their newborn hearing screen through the Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program.
Early identification of MEP in this population allowed for close monitoring and prompt referral to General Practitioners and Ear, Nose and Throat specialist for medical intervention, and parental education on the impact of OM on child development. Barriers identified included the reluctance of First Nations people to access mainstream health services and issues with transport. Strong collaboration of stakeholder partners, engaging Aboriginal community led, MCHN primary care and outpatient Audiology services was a key driver of this program.
Biography:
Rachael Hyder
Rachael has over 20 years experience in paediatric diagnostic Audiology in the sectors of hospitals and community health. A Master of Public Health graduate, her research interests include consumer centred care, health literacy and clinical informatics. She currently leads the Audiology program at University Hospital Geelong, and frequently contributes to Allied Health wide leadership at Barwon Health.
Uma Senaka Arachchi
Uma is a paediatric Audiologist on the Barwon team who works within a multidisciplinary Child and Family team, focusing on supporting children under six years with developmental delay in multiple domains. Uma is also a qualified speech pathologist.
Shantelle Lucas-Baillie
Shantelle is a proud Aboriginal woman, her mob are the Wirrayaraay people from Northern NSW. With four years’ experience as and Aboriginal Best Start facilitator, supporting partners to collaborate to create positive sustainable changes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. The role supports measuring the impact of the changes created. Shantelle has recently started as a Koorie Engagement Support Officer at the Department of Education and Training.