Community hearing services deliver strong patient results as well as saving capacity in secondary care, new findings have shown.
According to an outcomes dataset published by the National Community Hearing Association (NCHA), during 2013-14 adult community hearing services enjoyed a 98 per cent patient satisfaction score, with 90 per cent of patients using their hearing aids after one year.
The results, which showed community hearing care had added 562 new locations to the NHS estate, also outlined how the service led to shorter waiting times and all patients accessing follow up care in the community. Figures were derived from 88,000 patient appointments.
Mark Georgevic, NCHA chair, said: ‘It is clear that patients welcome and benefit from the service. Community hearing care empowers people to take control of their condition, enabling them to remain independent and active in their community. The knock-on health benefits and saved capacity in secondary care mean commissioners can make use of existing community infrastructure without additional capital investment.’
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Optician Online. Register now to access up to 10 news and opinion articles a month.
Register
Already have an account? Sign in here
