Motivational engagement in first-time hearing aid users: a feasibility study

Objective: To assess (1) the feasibility of incorporating the Ida Institute’s Motivation Tools into a UK audiology service, (2) the potential benefits of motivational engagement in first-time hearing aid users, and (3) predictors of hearing aid and general health outcome measures. Design: A feasibility study using a single-centre, prospective, quasi-randomized controlled design with two arms. The Ida Institute’s Motivation Tools formed the basis for motivational engagement. Study sample: First-time hearing aid users were recruited at the initial hearing assessment appointment. The intervention arm underwent motivational engagement (M+, n = 32), and a control arm (M-, n = 36) received standard care only. Results: The M+ group showed greater self-efficacy, reduced anxiety, and greater engagement with the audiologist at assessment and fitting appointments. However, there were no significant between-group differences 10-weeks post-fitting. Hearing-related communication scores predicted anxiety, and social isolation scores predicted depression for the M+ group. Readiness to address hearing difficulties predicted hearing aid outcomes for the M- group. Hearing sensitivity was not a predictor of outcomes. Conclusions: There were some positive results from motivational engagement early in the patient journey. Future research should consider using qualitative methods to explore whether there are longer-term benefits of motivational engagement in hearing aid users

Exploring the processes involved in long-term recovery from chronic alcohol addiction within an abstinencebased model: Implications for practice

Background: There is little consensus at policy or treatment level as to what defines ‘recovery’ in the alcohol addiction field. Aim: From interviewing a cohort of eight severely alcohol-dependent people who fulfilled all categories of DSM-IV and ICD 10 diagnostic criteria and had achieved long-term recovery (LTR) of between 8 and 48 years, and who are long-term AA members, a definition of recovery that is inclusive, and achievable, was sought from their lived experiences. Methodology: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used. Findings: This research uncovers the processes involved in long-term recovery, and identifies them as: sober; maintaining sobriety; and recovery. It suggests a move away from the acute model of cure by brief, time-limited therapy, towards a model of sustained, on-going and life-long recovery management, combined with pro-social aid resources. Individuals need to observe, and hear, the success narratives of others, and the therapeutic conditions of empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence need to be strongly experienced by the individual