The 'patient journey' of adults with sudden-onset acquired hearing impairment: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: A previous study examined the 'patient journey' of adults with gradual-onset acquired hearing impairment. This study examined the same for adults with sudden-onset acquired hearing impairment, and assessed differences. STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected from 16 audiologists, using the Ida Institute template, and from four adults with sudden-onset acquired hearing impairment, through semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and presented using a process mapping model. RESULTS: A patient journey template for sudden-onset acquired hearing impairment was developed based on the professionals' and patients' perspectives. The main difference between these two groups' perspectives was seen in the self-evaluation phase: some stages within this phase were recognised by the patients but not by the professionals. The main difference between the current and the previous study was the absence of a pre-awareness phase in the journey described by patients with sudden-onset acquired hearing impairment, compared with that described by patients with gradual-onset acquired hearing impairment. CONCLUSION: Patient journey templates could be useful counselling tools for ear and hearing healthcare specialists. However, such templates should be used only as a baseline; it is important to take a detailed case history to understand each patient's unique experience, including the psychosocial impact of hearing impairment.

The patient journey of adults with hearing impairment: the patients' views.

OBJECTIVE: The term 'patient journey' refers to the experiences and processes the patient goes through during the course of a disease and its treatment. The study explores the perspectives of adults with acquired hearing impairment and to further develop the patient journey template based on the Ida model. DESIGN: Qualitative approach using thematic analysis and process mapping. SETTING: Support groups of people with hearing impairment. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-two adults with acquired hearing impairment from two hearing impaired groups in Wales. All were hearing aid users. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Participants worked in small groups to describe their experiences through hearing loss. These data were used to develop a template of the patients' perspective of the journey. This was then compared with the perspective of professionals, and a 'patient journey template for adults with acquired hearing impairment' was developed. RESULTS: This template identifies seven main phases as follows: (i) pre-awareness; (ii) awareness; (iii) movement; (iv) diagnostics; (v) rehabilitation; (vi) self-evaluation; and (vii) resolution. The study identified a number of new components. The self-evaluation component was not defined by professionals and reflects the need for patients to consider the costs, benefits and alternatives to the approach provided by audiologists. It is important for audiologists to be aware of this. CONCLUSION: The study highlighted the differences and commonalities in perspectives of professionals and patients. Use of the patient journey can help clinicians to understand the unique experiences their patients go through help them to develop patient-centred treatment.