New Zealand's Scope of Practice for Audiology: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Introduction: Audiologists are healthcare professionals trained in the clinical application of auditory and vestibular science. They attain expertise in auditory, vestibular, and their associated disorders through their academic training. This allows audiologists to be involved in service provision for an array of specialities including hearing evaluation, aural rehabilitation, preventative audiology and assessment and management of balance, tinnitus and hyperacusis. A closer look at the clinical practice in New Zealand, however, reveals that the provided audiological focuses on evaluating hearing losses and the provision of hearing aids. Given the degree of knowledge acquired during training, this is a restricted form of clinical practice – especially when compared to the roles outline in the New Zealand Scope of Practice for Audiology. Objective: This study aims to explore an under researched area within audiology as well as the added benefit of providing insight into the knowledge and beliefs within audiology in regards to the clinical practice of audiology and whether expansion is needed. The study intended to identify the influencing themes of the current scope of practice in New Zealand as perceived by audiology directors and managers, the barriers and limitation to implementing the full scope of practice, and potential future directions. Methods: A semi-structured interview was conducted with clinical directors and managers of audiology clinics. The contextual data obtained from each participant interview was then analysed using descriptive methods to identify the emerging main themes and subthemes. Results: Three main themes emerged: The Audiologist, Clinical Environment and Audiologyrelated Health System. Moreover, concentric circles relationship between the three main themes was identified signifying inter-dependency between the three main themes. Conclusion: There are many factors influencing the implementation of the full scope. If future practice aspires to provide optimal patient care, such factors need to be considered. Moreover, the interconnected nature also needs to be understood if service provision seeks to expand beyond current practice.