Mrs Vanessa Bond1, Dr Monique Waite2, Ms Lauren McHugh1, Dr Jeanne Marshall3
1Healthy Hearing Program, Children's Health Queensland, Nundah, Australia, 2The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia, 3Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia
Biography:
Vanessa Bond is a paediatric speech pathologist acting in the Early Intervention Lead – Advanced Speech Pathologist role at the Healthy Hearing Program, Children’s Health Queensland. She completed her Bachelor of Speech Pathology at the University of Queensland, and a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Education at Flinders University. Vanessa has a broad range of experience, having worked clinically in tertiary hospital, community and education settings, and in rural/regional/remote outreach. She has a special interest in workforce education, and enablement of equitable and timely access to high quality early intervention for children with a hearing loss.
Abstract
Background:
The Queensland Minimum Standards of Practice for Early Intervention for Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and their Families Guideline [minimum standards] was developed in 2015 to address issues of disparate and inequitable service provision in Queensland, Australia. Since then, substantial industry change has occurred, necessitating review. The aim of this study was to achieve expert consensus on items for a revised minimum standards.
Method:
A modified eDelphi method was used, involving consultation with a steering group representing five key early intervention services and a consumer, followed by two survey rounds with panellists identified as expert clinicians or researchers working in Australia. The steering group initially reviewed the current minimum standards and proposed reworded or new items. Next, panellists completed two eDelphi surveys where they were asked to rate the importance of each standard on a nine-point Likert scale and provide comments. Consensus for each item was defined as >70% rating 7-9, and <15% rating 1-3. The steering group met after round one to determine round two items.
Results
In round one, 41 panellists were recruited. Of the 27 items, 28 met consensus. Subsequent to feedback, two modified items were presented to panellists in round two. Over 78% of panellists confirmed consensus on these items.
Discussion
This study achieved expert consensus for a clear set of standards that services should employ to ensure family-centred early intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Communication and implementation of these standards across different settings is now required.