Cara Osborne
Sligo University Hospital, IrelandPresentation Title:
Evaluating adherence to the baap guidelines for aetiological investigations in children with sensorineural hearing impairment (SNHI) at Sligo University Hospital
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate adherence to the 2015 British
Association of Audiovestibular Physicians (BAAP) guidelines for aetiological
investigations in children with sensorineural hearing impairment (SNHI) at
Sligo University Hospital, and assess the impact of introducing a standardised
operating procedure (SOP).
Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted involving
47 children diagnosed with SNHI between January 2013 and July 2024. Patients
were divided into pre-protocol (2013–2017) and post-protocol (2018–2024)
groups. Key investigations assessed included CMV testing, urinalysis, MRI,
ophthalmology and ENT referrals, and Connexin 26 genetic testing.
Results: Following SOP implementation, adherence to
BAAP guidelines improved markedly. CMV testing rose from 36% to 91%, urinalysis
from 22% to 88%, MRI requests from 16% to 86%, ophthalmology referrals from 72%
to 95%, and genetics requests from 20% to 86%. ENT referral rates were already
high and improved further from 84% to 95%.
Conclusion: Implementation of a local SOP
significantly enhanced adherence to national guidelines. To sustain these
improvements, we recommend regular audits, automatic referrals to the
paediatric hearing lead, and the introduction of a notification system upon
patient arrival to facilitate timely investigations. The audit has also
prompted external recommendations for establishing a dedicated SNHI outpatient
clinic integrating ENT and paediatric services.
Biography
Dr Cara Osborne is a Paediatric Senior
House Officer at Sligo University Hospital, with a strong interest in
paediatric ENT and clinical governance. She led this audit as part of a
departmental quality improvement initiative, working closely with paediatric,
audiology and ENT teams. She is passionate about ensuring timely diagnosis and
holistic care for children with hearing impairment and is committed to research
that drives practical improvements in patient outcomes.
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