Systematic Review of Physicians' Knowledge of, Participation in, and Attitudes toward Newborn Hearing Screening Programs

Physicians play a vital and important role in newborn hearing screening programs (NHSPs) and early hearing detection and intervention programs (EHDIPs). The information that physicians convey to parents of infants suspected of having hearing loss and the enthusiasm with which they make referrals for audiological services can greatly affect whether children are seen in a timely manner or are lost to follow-up and the perceptions of parents and others of these programs, which ultimately contributes to their overall success. It is essential that physicians have the most current and accurate knowledge of the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing Year 2007 Position Statement guidelines for screening, diagnosing, and intervening with hearing losses in children. Therefore, it is important to monitor these programs and their individual team members, especially physicians, at national, state, and local levels. This study used a systematic review as part of an evidence-based practice process to determine what types of information physicians might need to enhance their participation in NHSPs and EHDIPs. The results revealed that physicians could benefit from having additional information about this subject. Audiologists and their professional organizations should conduct physician outreach efforts to remind physicians of the important role they play in these programs and provide them with basic knowledge and updates in desired formats that meet their busy schedules. Such outreach efforts could strengthen relationships among team members, enhance the success of NHSPs and EHDIPs, and benefit all stakeholders (infants, families, physicians, and audiologists). Effective physician outreach efforts should help ensure that infants with hearing loss and their families receive necessary and appropriate diagnostic and intervention services in the most efficacious manner. KEYWORDS Early hearing detection and intervention programs - newborn hearing screening programs - physician outreach - systematic review