Quality assurance of follow-up therapy in rehabilitation with cochlear implantation

Introduction The Weißbuch Cochlear Implant (CI) serves as a standard reference for the structure, organization, equipment, qualification and quality assurance of CI patients in Germany. The recommendation consists of three time-defined follow-up appointments after completion of the CI initial adjustment. In this retrospective work of the University of Frankfurt, the number of patients of 2017 was examined, who followed the above recommendation.

Methods 144 adult patients who received uni- or bilateral CI implantation in 2017 at the University of Frankfurt were enrolled. The three defined follow-ups were classified after initial adaptation over a period of <4.5 months, 4.5-9 months and 9-13.5 months.

Results At least one follow-up was performed by 137 patients (95.1%). 109 patients (75.7%) participated in at least two appointments and 67 patients (46.5%) attended all three appointments. 7 patients (4.9%) did not participate in follow-up appointments. The majority of patients used follow-up therapy, with less than 50% coming to all three prescribed appointments. 124 patients (86.1%) appeared on the 1st follow-up. At the 2nd follow-up there were 105 patients (73%) and at the 3rd follow-up only 85 patients (59%). Patients performed fewer follow-up appointments due to e.g. death, change of residence or satisfaction, as well as ,lost to follow up' cases.

Conclusion The vast majority of patients used the follow-up therapy options. Nevertheless, a relevant proportion was shown that did not use the offered time schedule. The determination of the individual reasons are the subject of future examinations. The results show that, although a recommendation for follow-up therapy can be given, there should also be a possibility for individualization.

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020