The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reshaped the landscape of healthcare, including audiology. The research article "Teleaudiology practice in COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt and Saudi Arabia" by Elbeltagy et al. (2021) provides valuable insights into the implementation and outcomes of teleaudiology in these regions. This blog will highlight key findings from the study and discuss how practitioners can improve their skills and outcomes by embracing teleaudiology.
Key Findings
The study conducted a cross-sectional survey among 112 audiologists in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The main findings include:
- Only 25.4% of the audiologists practiced teleaudiology.
- Participants' age and attitude toward telemedicine were significant predictors of teleaudiology practice.
- Major challenges included the inability to provide a full range of services and the unavailability of equipment.
Improving Teleaudiology Practice
To improve teleaudiology practice, practitioners can focus on the following areas:
- Training and Education: Continuous education and training programs can help audiologists become more comfortable and proficient with teleaudiology tools and techniques.
- Infrastructure Development: Investment in infrastructure, including high-speed internet and telecommunication tools, is crucial for effective teleaudiology services.
- Patient Engagement: Educating patients about the benefits and use of teleaudiology can help in overcoming reluctance and resistance.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, it also highlights the need for further research. Future studies could focus on:
- Patient satisfaction and outcomes with teleaudiology services.
- Cost-effectiveness of teleaudiology compared to traditional methods.
- Long-term impact of teleaudiology on patient care and clinical outcomes.
By addressing these areas, practitioners can not only improve their teleaudiology practice but also contribute to the broader body of knowledge in this field.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Teleaudiology practice in COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
