Abstract
Introduction
Frail older patients with hearing impairments face significant communication challenges in acute care settings such as the Emergency Department (ED) and Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC). These challenges often lead to misdiagnoses, increased anxiety, and diminished patient satisfaction. Improving communication for such patients is critical to enhancing their care experience, maintaining dignity, and improving overall satisfaction and outcomes.
Method
A Quality Improvement Project (QIP) was conducted involving ten participants over 75 years who were identified with hearing impairments and admitted to the SDEC frailty unit from the ED. Baseline communication difficulties were assessed using a pre-designed questionnaire. The AudiMed Communicator 2, a lightweight and ergonomic device with a high-quality amplifier and built-in microphone, was introduced to enhance hearing without requiring traditional hearing aids. Participants provided feedback post-intervention via a follow-up questionnaire, evaluating the device's impact on hearing and communication.
Results
All participants initially relied on alternative communication methods and reported frustration due to impaired hearing. Most did not have functioning hearing aids. Following the implementation of AudiMed, participants' hearing ability scores improved dramatically. All reported a score of 5 on a 1-5 scale, indicating high satisfaction. 100% of participants preferred using AudiMed and highlighted its positive impact on their communication and care experience.
Conclusion
The AudiMed Communicator has significantly enhanced communication, hearing ability, and patient satisfaction among frail older patients in acute care settings. By addressing communication barriers, the device has empowered patients, promoted dignity, and streamlined care delivery, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life. Recommendations include expanding the use of AudiMed in similar settings, providing staff education for seamless integration, and ensuring ongoing feedback for continued evaluation and improvement.