GROUP WORK IN AUDIOLOGY AT LEIGHTON HOSPITAL

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GROUP WORK IN AUDIOLOGYAT LEIGHTON HOSPITAL

• Kath Lewis Manager of Audiology Services MCHT
• Anne Roberts Audiologist MCHT

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GROUP WORK

• INITIAL RELUCTANCE TO GROUP WORKWHY?

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GROUP WORK

• ANALOGUE GROUP FITS (SUCCESS!)
• STAFF NOW CONVERTS

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ANALOGUE GROUPFOLLOW-UPS

• Benefit of follow-ups (better use of aid etc.)
• Routine follow-ups not been carried out for years
• Extra benefits from group follow-up (interaction
  with other users, exchanges of ideas etc.)
• Better attendance

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DIGITAL GROUP WORK

• Could it work?
• The logistics of fitting patients (room
  availability, staffing levels etc.)
• Programming and REMs
• Much longer process than analogue aids
• Click and fit as an option?

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DIGITAL FOLLOW-UPS

• Difficulties as there are more options for
  adjustment on aids?
• GHABP, patient satisfaction questionnaire how and
  where?
• Staff availability for aid adjustment?
• Positive support from other patients
• Reinforcement of hearing tactics
• Sharing experiences with fellow users

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OUTCOME OF DIGITAL FOLLOW-UPS

• Low DNA rate
• Not as many adjustments as originally anticipated
• More of a social occasion than hospital
  appointment!
• Enjoyable for both patients and staff
• Increased number of patients for follow-up
  (better interaction)

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GROUP WORK IN ACTION

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GROUP WORK IN ACTION

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COMMENTS

• I was very happy to share my thoughts and
  concerns with other people. I also found the
  session very helpful and informative. As also
  was the person taking the session.
• Thought the way the group was held was excellent
  and offered a lot of help. Staff put us at ease
  and gave 110 service.
• Excellent service for me, because I had several
  queries, all of which were answered thoroughly.
  Many thanks.
• Being given information in a group was fine,
  heard about other peoples problems was helpful.
  However, it was a personal shock being lumped
  together with elderly people but this is
  perhaps a problem for me to deal with! I dont
  see myself as old yet!

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COMMENTS - continued

• The Group Session system certainly helps in
  sharing ideas and experiences but could possibly
  deter the less forceful to feel disinclined to
  express their problems.
• I felt the talk was very interesting, glad I
  came. Thank you.
• It was quite helpful with the potential to become
  more so, as people become more familiar with the
  group person running it.
• Have no problem at all with group sessions. Have
  been most impressed with the standard of service
  in Audiology. It is a pity that more people do
  not realise how good a service is being offered
  and like myself, were tempted to pay high prices
  for poor hearing aids to private operators before
  turning to the NHS. Your good work is much
  appreciated.

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COMMENTS - continued

• I found it re-assuring to hear that other people
  experience the same initial problems as myself
  and to know that my hearing aid could be
  re-programmed to eliminate the majority of these
  problems. I was given leaflets and the name of a
  contact who could demonstrate the use of a loop
  system on my telephone which would be of great
  help in my case. Thank you.
• Very helpful, we all learned a lot from each
  other.
• The service offered so far with regards to my new
  hearing aid has been exceptional and I can find
  no fault with anything at all. Praise where
  praise is due.
• All the information given was easy to understand
  and all the questions asked by the group were
  answered in an authoritative way. I thought the
  session was well worth while.
• I felt comfortable with the information being
  given to me in the company of others as I find it
  very helpful and relaxing.

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COMMENTS - continued

• It is of benefit to hear and discuss the
  experiences of others. The session was handled
  very professionally by the staff, whilst
  retaining some informality and friendliness
  creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
• Very happy, its helpful to hear others point of
  view who have hearing aids and the staff were
  kind and helpful.
• In a group it gave you the chance to hear other
  peoples likes and dislikes.
• Very helpful, with very pleasant staff who were
  most willing to answer questions and be helpful.
  Please give them my special thanks.
• The group session was very helpful and well
  organised. I learnt a lot more about using my
  deaf aid regularly to obtain maximum benefit,
  which I will endeavour to do. Thanks.
• Managing very well with aid, your help has worked
  wonders, very pleased. Thank you.

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COMMENTS - continued

• The information I was given regarding the use and
  care of my hearing aids was excellent. I found
  the meeting both interesting and beneficial to
  me. Everyone was very friendly. My hearing aids
  needed slight adjustment which was done
  straightaway and I am extremely happy with them
  now. The staff were excellent.
• It helped being in a group as everyone is there
  for the same reason, and if any of us had a
  problem with the hearing aid we could help each
  other. It was also good because at home, me
  being the only one with a hearing aid, my family
  didnt understand what I was experiencing and it
  was good to be with people who were going through
  the same. I was very happy with the group
  meeting.
• I was well pleased with the whole set up, the
  staff were excellent and put us at ease. Even
  had a laugh, made things very clear and
  understandable. Thank you.

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COMMENTS - continued

• Yes, I enjoyed the company and being part of a
  group. The lady in charge was very helpful and
  made us all feel at ease. I am so pleased with
  my hearing aid, it is marvellous, what a change
  its made to me. I cant thank the makers
  enough.
• I think it was a good idea to talk to people who
  were in the same position as myself and see how
  they were coping after 6 weeks of using a digital
  hearing aid. The staff were very good. I my self
  have just got a new telephone which is hearing
  aid friendly. I didnt know about them until I
  went to the meeting.

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DIGITAL GROUP WORKWHY NOT GIVE IT A TRY?

• Thank you for listening