J Am Acad Audiol 2017; 28(07): 636-643
DOI: 10.3766/jaaa.16084
Articles
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Noncongruence between Audiologist and Patient Preferences for Patient-Centeredness

Vinaya Manchaiah
*   Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX
†   The Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
‡   Audiology India, Mysore, Karnataka, India
,
Ashley L. Dockens
*   Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX
,
Monica Bellon-Harn
*   Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX
,
Erin S. Burns
*   Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
26 June 2020 (online)

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Abstract

Background:

Trends in preferences of both healthcare providers and patients to patient-centeredness have been emphasized in research. However, an understanding of the nature of preferences to patient-centeredness within the context of the audiologist–patient relationship is needed.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to explore the congruence between audiologist and patient preferences for patient-centeredness.

Research Design:

A cross-sectional survey design was used to gather data from audiologists and patients with hearing loss.

Study Sample:

Participants included 75 audiologists and 105 consecutive patients with hearing loss.

Data Collection and Analysis:

Participants completed the modified Patient–Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) and provided selected demographic information. Data were analyzed using an independent sample t test to evaluate the differences between audiologist and patient congruence. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors contributing to preferences for patient-centeredness.

Results:

Patients had significantly lower scores in PPOS full scale when compared to the audiologists [t (170) = 0.78; p ≤ 0.001] with a very large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.43). Patients also had significantly lower scores when compared to the audiologists on both the sharing [t (170) = 1.01; p ≤ 0.001] and caring [t (170) = 0.56; p ≤ 0.001] subscales. Statistically significant lower scores were noted for patients when compared to audiologists on 12 items on the PPOS. No relationship between any demographic factors and preferences for patient-centeredness were found.

Conclusions:

The current study results indicated noncongruence in preferences for patient-centeredness among audiologists and patients with hearing loss. Results point toward the need for more research considering the nature and impact of patient-centered audiology practice.