Change Resistance and Clinical Practice Strategies in Audiology

Abstract

Background: Audiology is experiencing pressure from market forces that may change the profession’s nature. Research suggests understanding resistance to change and organizational culture may provide insights that facilitate change. Purpose: This study was designed to examine audiologists’ resistance to change, organizational culture, and clinical practices related to hearing aid pricing and audiology assistants. Research Design: This study utilized a cross-sectional, non-experimental, survey design. Study Sample: Participants were 205 US audiologists, representing diversity across experience, work setting, and location. Data Collection: The study-designed survey examined demographics and clinical practice strategies. Resistance to Change (RTC) scale examined disposition towards change. Organizational Culture Profile (OCP) examined organizational culture perspectives. Results: The majority (52%) of respondents use bundled pricing but 42% of these repondents anticipate transitioning to unbundling. Use of hybrid pricing is increasing. Service-extender personnel were reported by 41%; in addition, 32% who did not report audiology assistants were employed currently, anticipate they will in the future. Results indicated lower resistance to change and greater years of experience were associated with more positive perceptions about organizational culture. Pricing structure was related to experience. Conclusions: Trends indicate use of bundled pricing is decreasing, use of hybrid pricing is increasing, and employment of audiology assistants is increasing. Experienced audiologists are more likely to report unbundled and hybrid pricing compared with less experienced audiologists. Key Words: Audiologist, Resistance to Change, Organizational Culture Abbreviations: Audiology Assistant (AA), Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS)

Hearing Healthcare Professionals’ Views about Over-The-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids: Analysis of Retrospective Survey Data

“…This is interesting in light of the fact that nearly half of HHPs reported that they will support patients with OTC hearing aids purchased elsewhere and a quarter reported that they will sell OTC hearing aids in their clinic or website. Many HHPs have been preparing for OTC hearing aids by moving from bundled pricing (i.e., which bundles together HHP services and the cost of the hearing aid) to unbundled pricing (which differentiates prices for services vs. hearing aids) [12]. Nevertheless, having a high level of concerns towards OTC hearing aids and service delivery models may impact how HHPs advise their pa-to believe that consumers will have problems to identify and address common problems and lead to greater confusion, and business owners are likely to believe that the consumers will give up on amplification.…”

“…light of the fact that nearly half of HHPs reported that they will sup-C hearing aids purchased elsewhere and a quarter reported that they g aids in their clinic or website. Many HHPs have been preparing for y moving from bundled pricing (i.e., which bundles together HHP of the hearing aid) to unbundled pricing (which differentiates prices ng aids) [12]. Nevertheless, having a high level of concerns towards d service delivery models may impact how HHPs advise their pahearing aid consultations and/or include OTC devices in their practher healthcare professionals may also have some role to play in fa- Warranties and return periods will be worse Disagree:  Consumers will give up on amplification dy examined views of HHPs regarding OTC hearing aids by asking ents relating to several potential areas of concern.…”

“…light of the fact that nearly half of HHPs reported that they will sup-C hearing aids purchased elsewhere and a quarter reported that they g aids in their clinic or website. Many HHPs have been preparing for y moving from bundled pricing (i.e., which bundles together HHP of the hearing aid) to unbundled pricing (which differentiates prices ng aids) [12]. Nevertheless, having a high level of concerns towards d service delivery models may impact how HHPs advise their pa- light of the fact that nearly half of HHPs reported that they will sup-C hearing aids purchased elsewhere and a quarter reported that they g aids in their clinic or website.…”

“…Nevertheless, having a high level of concerns towards d service delivery models may impact how HHPs advise their pa- light of the fact that nearly half of HHPs reported that they will sup-C hearing aids purchased elsewhere and a quarter reported that they g aids in their clinic or website. Many HHPs have been preparing for y moving from bundled pricing (i.e., which bundles together HHP of the hearing aid) to unbundled pricing (which differentiates prices ng aids) [12]. Nevertheless, having a high level of concerns towards d service delivery models may impact how HHPs advise their pa-…”