Perspectives of Dutch health professionals regarding auditory processing disorders; a focus group study
Perspectives of Dutch health professionals regarding auditory processing disorders; a focus group study
Samenvatting
OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the perspectives of professionals from the Dutch audiological centres on the definition and care pathways of children with suspected auditory processing disorders (susAPD). DESIGN: focus group interviews. STUDY SAMPLE: In total, 45 professionals from 6 disciplines, representing 22 different audiological centres and one ambulatory service, participated in five parallel focus group interviews. Participants had a variety of experience in diagnosing and advising children with suspected APD. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis (open and thematic) identified four themes ("Definition", "Causes", "Diagnostic Procedures" and "Clinical Reasoning") expressing a variety of perspectives. Differences in perspectives were mainly affected by two debates: (1) whether or not APD exists as a pure (auditory) disorder and (2) whether or not current AP-tests are suitable in diagnosing children with listening difficulties. They also expressed a need for more guidance from the literature in their clinical decision making process. CONCLUSIONS: Professionals from the Dutch audiological centres share a broad perspective on children with APD. The ICF framework supports this perspective, thereby diminishing the need for a clear definition. The use of AP-tests should be limited to children where broader developmental disorders are first ruled out; a possible "pure" APD could then be diagnosed in a limited number of children.
Organisatie | Hanze |
Gepubliceerd in | International Journal of Audiology Taylor & Francis, Vol. 56, Uitgave: 12, Pagina's: 942-950 |
Datum | 2017-12-02 |
Type | Artikel |
DOI | 10.1080/14992027.2017.1347290 |
Taal | Engels |