Affiliation:
1. Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University
2. School of Population Health, University of New South Wales
3. Thurru Indigenous Unit, College of Medicine, Health and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle
4. University of Western Australia
5. Telethon Speech and Hearing
6. The University of Sydney
7. National Acoustic Laboratories
8. Walanga Muru, Macquarie University
9. The Shepherd Centre
10. University College London
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Ear and hearing care programs are critical to early detection and management of otitis media which disproportionately impacts First Nations children, affecting speech and language development, social and cognitive development and, in turn, education and life outcomes. This review aimed to identify ear and hearing care programs to chart program approaches, sustainability, and areas focus across the care pathway.
Method
A systematic search was conducted using Medline, Embase, Global Health, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and Academic Search Premier. Search terms included First Nations children, ear and hearing care, and health programs, initiatives, campaigns, and services.
Results
Twenty-seven articles met the criteria to be included in the review and described total of twenty-one ear and hearing care programs. Programs focussed on connecting patients to specialist services, ensuring cultural safety of services, and increasing entry into ear and hearing care pathways.
Conclusion
The majority of programs focus on detection of otitis media and hearing loss, however gaps remain within and across the care pathway which continue to create system fragmentation. Cultural safety is often considered a priority, yet engagement in programs is primarily taking place at an operational level. Programs should ensure that cultural engagement takes place at all stages of program design, operation, and evaluation. The majority of studies (and programs) do not report outcome measures, but rather short-term outputs as indicators for program success limiting an understanding of their effectiveness at mitigating longer-term impacts of middle ear disease and hearing loss. Factors relating to program sustainability include government funding and Indigenous Health Worker or community involvement which is not always considered at a program design stage.
Publisher
Research Square Platform LLC
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