Phase 2 of collaborative action around the implementation of virtual hearing aid care: Evaluation of a clinical practice guideline

Abstract

Rationale: Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a clinical practice guideline (CPG) around virtual hearing aid practices was developed to fill a knowledge gap within the field of audiology. Details outlining the development and mobilization of this draft guideline were outlined as Phase 1 (described in a paired paper).Aims and Objectives: This study describes Phase 2 of this project as part of the Knowledge-to-Action Framework, including an evaluation of the methodological quality of the guideline and the resulting tailored version of the document (v2.0). Method:The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument was used to assess methodological quality and to guide revisions. Twenty-two clinicians, from a variety of clinical backgrounds, participated in the evaluation. Results and Conclusion:Findings reported across six domains suggest high mean scores, ranging from 78% to 81%, in order of scope and purpose (highest rated), stakeholder involvement, rigour of development, applicability, clarity of presentation, and editorial independence. Specific recommendations made by in international co-creation team during the evaluation informed the final version of the CPG. Future development and evaluation efforts should aim to include greater representation from nontraditional practice contexts to strengthen global applicability.

Phase 1 of collaborative action around the implementation of virtual hearing aid care: Development of a clinical practice guideline

“…Knowledge creation steps included in the CPG development (Figure 1) outline the dynamic and iterative processes used to tailor knowledge gathered in a rapidly changing virtual care landscape. As part of the overarching Connected Study, a multi‐component implementation evaluation was carried out; this included multi‐site data collection following the implementation of virtual hearing aid care (covered in phase 2, Glista et al, 28 in review). Figure 2 illustrates the timeline of the project phases used in the CPG development (phase 1) and evaluation (phase 2), as part of the larger Connected Study.…”

“…A formal methodological quality evaluation of the CPG and resulting v2.0 are outlined as phase 2 in a paired manuscript. 28…”

“…Outlined within this study are the knowledge creation steps used in the co‐creation of a CPG (v1.9), including systematic literature review, drafting, and revising, as well as mobilisation efforts integrated as part of a KTA Framework. A formal methodological quality evaluation of the CPG and resulting v2.0 are outlined as phase 2 in a paired manuscript 28 …”