School of Human and Community Development (ETDs)

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Browsing School of Human and Community Development (ETDs) by Department "Department of Audiology"

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    South African Audiologists’ Perceived Knowledge, Views and Reported Practice in the Realm of Fall Risk Screening with Older Adults
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) van Rie, Kayla Jade; Naudé, Alida; Kanji, Amisha
    Background: Falling in older adults has contributed significantly to injury and loss of life worldwide, thus, warranting the development of fall screening and prevention measures. Audiologists routinely evaluate older adults and are also key role players in balance disorders. The effectiveness of FRS and prevention is believed to depend on the healthcare professional's level of knowledge and practice in fall prevention. Little is however known about South African (SA) audiologists’ views, perceived knowledge, and practice in the realm of fall risk with older adults. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the perceived knowledge, views and reported practices of SA audiologists in the realm of FRS with older adults. Method: A mixed methods approach with a sequential triangulation design was utilised. The participants recruited for this study were SA audiologists who were registered with the Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA) and had experience with older adults. The systematic review was used to inform the data collection tools. The data was then collected via online surveys and online interviews. Purposive sampling was used as the survey Uniform Resource Locator (URL) link and interview invitations were distributed via email to the SA Association of Audiologists (SAAA) and, the National Speech Therapy and Audiology databases and was also distributed via audiology-specific social media platforms. One hundred and six (n=106) participants completed the online survey and eighteen (n=18) participated in the online interviews. Data from the survey was analysed using descriptive and correlation statistics, and a deductive thematic analysis was used for interview data. Results: The research study findings indicated a strong motivation among audiologists to learn more about supporting older adults at risk of falling, as almost 100% (n=102) expressed a desire for further training. Notably, the results showed that 83% (n=88) of participants believed that audiologists lacked sufficient training in FRS during their undergraduate curriculum, aligning with their perception of limited knowledge in conducting FRSs. In light of these results, it is, however, encouraging that 68% (n=73) of participants believed that audiologists had an important role to play in FRS and 58% (n=62) believed that it should be within the audiologist’s scope of practice. Ninety percent (n=95) of participants believed that incorporating FRS would change clinical practice and may provide the profession with an opportunity for expansion. Several challenges which could influence the perceived feasibility of the implementation of FRS clinically were reported, including the need for additional training (80%; n=85), lack of time (48%; n=51), difficulty collaborating with multidisciplinary team (MDT) members (38%; n=40) and discomfort with the vestibular portion of their scope of practice (38%; n=40 ). Currently, it appears that very few audiologists are conducting FRSs with older adults. The results clearly suggests an opportunity for audiologists to expand their current perceived scope of practice, enhancing their role in preventative audiology. Conclusion: Overall, this study found that SA audiologists viewed embracing the implementation of FRS positively. A lack of perceived knowledge and anticipated challenges were reported to limit the implementation of FRS clinically.