Redesigning the pathway for children with permanent childhood hearing impairment in a district general hospital

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a newly implemented protocol for the management of permanent childhood hearing impairment in a UK district general hospital.

Methods: A retrospective closed-loop audit was conducted over two 24-month cycles. Children diagnosed with permanent childhood hearing impairment, through the national hearing screening program, were included.

Results: Implementation of the new protocol led to significant improvements between the two cycles. The mean time from diagnosis to first ENT review reduced from 439.4 to 188.1 days. The interval from diagnosis to magnetic resonance imaging acquisition improved from 617.8 to 58.5 days (p < 0.05), whilst the mean age at magnetic resonance imaging reduced from 758.3 to 102.6 days (p < 0.05). Magnetic resonance imaging utilisation increased from 60 per cent to 100 per cent, and genetic referrals rose from 28.6 per cent to 100 per cent.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the effectiveness of a streamlined protocol in improving multidisciplinary care for children with permanent childhood hearing impairment, offering a model for broader adoption in similar healthcare settings.

Keywords: cytomegalovirus infections; genetic testing; hearing loss; magnetic resonance imaging; neonatal screening; sensorineural.