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ABSTRACT INFORMATION
Title: 'COACHing to Better NHS Outcomes: Coalition of Ohio Audiologists and Children’s Hospitals' Track: 2 - Audiological Services Keyword(s): Audiology, Protocols, Evidence-based practice, collaboration, outcomes Learning Objectives: Describe the impact of inconsistent protocols on outcomes for children Describe how participatory stakeholder meetings can empower practitioners List steps to creating a robust audiology EHDI network Abstract: Many audiologists providing EHDI services don’t realize they are part of the EHDI system, yet they provide important access to care across the state. Without integration across practice settings, children too easily fall between the gaps. To address this critical gap, COACH was formed by audiologists in varied practice settings who have a mission to improve and expand assessment and intervention for EHDI services. A needs assessment and survey of diagnostic audiology services was conducted over the past year, including Children’s and other hospitals, ENT practices, speech and hearing centers, and private practices. A lack of consistent, evidence based practices was articulated by audiologists as a reason for missed and inaccurate diagnoses, that can impact upon effective assessment and management. Consensus regarding the need for evidence based diagnostic protocols was reached through consensus-building at state stakeholder meetings. Audiologists play a vital role to ensure infants progress through all EHDI stages, and need to be empowered to secure needed equipment and skills to provide appropriate care. Through COACH, audiologists working with infants and children are collaborating to provide input and share expertise and tools. The primary goal is to create a strong presence in the Ohio EHDI system, and partner with other professionals involved in NHS. The outcome of this effort is to build a stronger, sustaining EHDI system that will create a community of practice across the state and ultimately achieve optimal language development for children with hearing loss. Topics covered in this breakout: -Process of improving collaboration between EHDI providers. -Outcomes that can be achieved through consistency of evaluation, messaging and results. -Retooling of the audiology directory of services. -Development of protocols for rescreening and diagnostic assessments. -Steps to enact your own state coaching system. Presentation: This presentation has not yet been uploaded or the speaker has opted not to make the presentation available online. Handouts: Handout is not Available
PRESENTER(S) / AUTHOR(S) INFORMATION
-             ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - Nonfinancial - Lisa Hunter - Primary Presenter Cincinnati Children's Hospital      Credentials: PhD       Lisa Hunter is Scientific Director of Audiology and Professor at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati. She collaborates on a number of funded studies including evaluating physiologic factors associated with risks for hearing loss and understanding mechanisms for improved follow-up with newborn hearing screening in high risk famlies. She is a faculty with the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Wendy Steuerwald - Co-Presenter Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center      Credentials: AuD, F-AAA, CCC-A       Wendy Steuerwald is the Clinical Manager of Audiology at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has practiced audiology for over 20 years and is actively engaged in reducing loss to follow up for newborn hearing screening in Ohio.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Gina Hounam - Co-Presenter Nationwide Children's Hospital      Credentials: PhD       Gina Hounam is the program manager of Audiology at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Gina received a B.A. in Speech and Hearing Science at Ohio State University and received her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati. Gina has been an audiologist for over 15 years and her professional interests include relationship-centered care, community outreach, UNHS and hearing aids.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist. Reena Kothari - Author Ohio Department of Health      Credentials: Au.D., F-AAA       Reena Kothari, Au.D. is currently a Public Health Audiology Consultant for The Ohio Department of Health in the Infant Hearing Program and the newborn hearing screening contact. Reena has spoken both nationally and statewide about Ohio’s EHDI program. She has developed many public awareness materials in several formats for the Ohio Department of Health’s Infant Hearing Program. Reena was the team lead for the National Initiative on Children’s Healthcare Quality (NICHQ) and is a member of several committees in Ohio. Her previous experience includes newborn hearing screening, clinical and dispensing services for adults and pediatrics. Reena has a strong background in Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) and is interested in continuous quality improvement for successful outcomes for children identified with hearing loss and deafness.       ASHA DISCLOSURE: Financial - No relevant financial relationship exist. Nonfinancial - No relevant nonfinancial relationship exist.