Cutting-Edge Practice

Virtual training for Awake ABR services for non-audiology staff

State/Jurisdiction: Federated States of Micronesia
Setting: Clinical Community Virtual
Population: CYSHCN
Topic Area: Access to Quality Healthcare Safe and Connected Communities Family & Youth Engagement Telehealth Primary & Preventative Care
NPMs: NPM 6: Developmental Screening

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FSM government restricted their borders to incoming passengers from airlines and vessels on March 2020. No one was allowed to enter for over a year and although some repatriation flights have been conducted, most restrictions are still in place. This extreme measure is needed because FSM does not have the resources, such as medical personnel and equipment, to cope with a COVID-19 outbreak. The arrival of COVID-19 has clearly created new challenges for the Title V/CYSHNCN and EHDI programs. The professionals who typically travel to the islands cannot provide resources and services. Telehealth support is needed so that children can receive Diagnostic Audiological Evaluations and other needed services and resources. After conducting a needs assessment with EHDI and Title V/CYSHNCN staff, parent leaders, and consultants, the FSM project goals were to (1) provide DAE equipment, (2) provide training on using the DAE equipment, and (3) provide a dedicated internet line for Yap Public Health. Culturally relevant diagnostic teleaudiology training was provided for public health staff to deliver remote services in FSM. The training in diagnostic teleaudiology training was provided at the spoke sites virtually. The training was provided to three of the four FSM states with two people per island receiving the training. The training was provided in English by an audiologist in Guam who is nationally certified (CCC-A). Training was provided on how to use the teleaudiology equipment, set up the equipment, and prepare patients for the procedure. Practice was conducted on adult staff during the training. The training was tailored to the cultural and linguistic context of the trainees within the community. Time was provided for trainees to stop and use their own language with each other to assist and clarify points.


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CONTACT INFORMATION
JOY Consultants, Inc.
Clare Camacho
clare671joy@gmail.com

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