International survey of audiologists' attitudes toward telehealth

Abstract

PURPOSE : A better understanding of the attitudes of audiologists toward teleaudiology and their willingness to use teleaudiology is required to progress the application of teleaudiology technologies and services into clinical practice. Audiologists around the world were surveyed on their attitudes toward teleaudiology and their willingness to use it. METHOD : An online survey was sent to audiologists through professional associations' mailing lists. The survey included questions on the use of computer and video-conferencing technologies, awareness and previous use of teleaudiology, and willingness to use teleaudiology. RESULTS : Responses were provided by 269 people from 28 different countries, representing a wide cross-section of experience, qualification, and work settings; 77.8% of respondents were women. Almost all respondents had used PC-based video-conferencing; most had used related technologies and reported positive attitudes toward using these. However, less than 25% had used teleaudiology. CONCLUSIONS : Despite positive attitudes toward telehealth and associated technology, the low number of audiologists who have used teleaudiology for services indicates limited clinical adoption.