2025 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 9-11, 2025 • Pittsburgh, PA
DAVID L. LAWRENCE CONVENTION CENTER
| Streamlining Pediatric Audiological Care for International Patients Through Collaborative Efforts
Streamlining Pediatric Audiological Care for International Patients Through Collaborative Efforts
The number of patients traveling from their home countries to seek medical care has increased significantly in recent years. Each year between 100,000 and 200,000 people enter the United States listing health treatment as their primary reason for visiting (Chambers, 2015). Among low-income countries, 78% have fewer than one ENT specialist per million and 93% have fewer than one audiologist per million (Chadha et al., 2021). Specifically, the University of Miami had approximately 7,000 inbound medical tourists register with the UHealth International in 2017(Moreland, 2018). Barriers to care for international patients include visa restrictions, health insurance coverage, language differences, financial constraints, travel and lodging arrangements, as well as appropriate scheduling. Our clinic has acknowledged these barriers, leading us to find ways to provide streamlined patient navigation for our international pediatric population through collaboration with a social work team. We seek to highlight this optimized system and interdisciplinary approach that we use to increase access to audiological care for underserved patient populations and improve patient outcomes.
References:
Chadha, S., Kamenov, K., & Cieza, A. (2021). The world report on hearing, 2021. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 99(4), 242–242A. https://doi.org/10.2471/BLT.21.285643
Chambers, A. (2015, August 1). Trends in U.S. Health Travel Services Trade. United States International Trade Commission. https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/executive_briefings/chambers_health-related_travel_final.pdf
Moreland, N. (2018, November 26). Beyond borders: A roadmap for medical tourism. UHealth Collective. https://news.umiamihealth.org/en/beyond-borders-a-roadmap-for-medical-tourism/
- Identify challenges for international patient care
- List at least two strategies to streamline care for international pediatric patients
- Understand the benefits of a collaborative approach for audiological care
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Presenters/Authors
Monique LaPierre
(Primary Presenter,Co-Presenter), University of Miami , mo.c.lapierre@gmail.com;
Monique LaPierre is the current University of Miami audiology LEND extern, where she provides audiological care to patients at the Ear Institute’s Children’s Hearing Program. Monique has a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, with a minor in Biology, from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In May of 2025, she will graduate with her Doctorate of Audiology from Vanderbilt University. Monique is native Pacific Islander with her family originating from the island of Guam. She is deeply committed to advocating for her community and aspires to raise awareness about hearing loss in the Pacific Islands. Monique is passionate about providing exceptional patient care to children and their families and would like to continue to work with diverse and unserved patient populations.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Joely Rangel
(Co-Presenter), University of Miami , joelylynn1313@gmail.com;
Joely Rangel is currently the University of Miami Ear Institute extern, where she is involved in all aspects of clinical work including both adult and pediatric populations. Joely has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a minor in Sociology from Florida Atlantic University. Post undergrad, she completed coursework in Communication Sciences and Disorders, where she developed a love and excitement for Audiology. Joely is presently pursuing her Doctorate of Audiology from Nova Southeastern University and will graduate in May of 2025. With a passion and dedication to the field of Audiology, Joely strives to ensure all patients not only receive the care they need, but feel recognized and valued throughout their healthcare journey.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Amy Metcalfe
(Co-Presenter), University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology, art142@med.miami.edu;
Amy Torres is a dedicated licensed clinical social worker with a strong commitment to serving others. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Amy currently resides in Miami, holding a Master's degree from Florida International University. With much experience in the field, Amy has had the privilege of working with diverse cultures and populations, gaining an invaluable wealth of experience, insights, and understanding along the way. As part of the multidisciplinary team at the UHealth Ear Institute’s Children’s Hearing Program, she helps create a nurturing environment for patients, encouraging them to express themselves openly while providing the necessary support and guidance they seek. Pursuing to address the physical and social emotional barriers patients with hearing loss and their families encounter when needing appropriate care as well as increasing awareness in the community. Her unwavering passion has shaped her approach, emphasizing empathy, active listening, and evidence-based care techniques.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Nonfinancial -
Chrisanda Sanchez
(Co-Presenter), University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology, cmsanchez@med.miami.edu;
Dr. Chrisanda Sanchez is a bilingual pediatric audiologist at the University of Miami. She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology, the lead pediatric cochlear implant audiologist, and Interim Director of the Children’s Hearing Program at the University of Miami. Dr. Sanchez’s clinical career has centered around pediatrics, specializing in pediatric cochlear implants, hearing aids, and other implantable devices. Her research focuses on improving access to hearing healthcare for Spanish speaking patients and implantable devices, specifically targeting pediatric device implantation and outcomes.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Honoraria excluding diversified mutual funds,Grants for Teaching and speaking,Independent contractor from Cochlear Americas.
• Receives Salary for Employment from University of Miami.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with University of Miami
Cochlear Americas.
Nature: University of Miami - Employment, salary
Cochlear Americas - Grant/research support & honorarium.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.