Follow-up in newborn hearing screening – a systematic review

Introduction The quality and efficiency of newborn hearing screening programs (NHS) rely heavily on appropriate follow-up. The Joint Committee on Infant Hearing recommends a follow-up rate of more than 95% of infants who fail the initial hearing screening. However, a 70% benchmark is considered to be more feasible. This high loss to follow-up (LTF) rate acts as a threat to the overall success of NHS programs. The objective of the study was to identify and examine the reported rates of LTF, attributed reasons for LTF and strategies undertaken to reduce LTF. Methods Using a systematic search, articles published between 2005 to December 2015 were identified from PubMed/Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), Scopus, Ovid, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library. To be included in the review, the study should be exploring the loss to follow-up or drop-out rate in newborn hearing screening programs and be published in an indexed peer-reviewed journal in the English language. The main outcome measures were overall rate of LTF, factors leading to LTF and measures adopted to overcome LTF. Results 53 articles were short-listed for data extraction. Out of these, 27 were single-centre studies, 19 were multi-centre, 3 compared multiple databases, and 4 used survey-based methods. Overall LTF rates of 20% in single-centre and 21% in multiple-centre studies were observed. Educational disparity and lack of adequate knowledge among parents were associated with LTF. The most commonly used strategy to overcome LTF suggested by studies was the use of an adequate data management system. Conclusion This review is a novel attempt to explore the LTF among NHS studies, reasons for LTF and strategies to reduce LTF. This review can act as a basis for planning and execution of effective NHS programs

Experimental Study On Plastic Waste As A Course Aggregate For Structural Concrete

The use of plastic is increasing day by day, although steps were taken to reduce its consumption. This creates substantial garbage every day which is much unhealthy. The suitability of recycled plastics as coarse aggregate in concrete and its advantages are discussed here. In this project, Plastic Coarse Aggregates (PCA) and steel fibers were used as replacement of Natural Coarse aggregate by different percentage of plastic aggregate for making concrete of M-25 grade, with w/c ratio 0.48. The study involves replacement of natural coarse aggregates by 0, 15 and 30 percentage of PCA. The steel fibers are used 1 to 3 percent by weight of cement. OPC-53 grade cement was used for making concrete. The waste plastic of HDPE (High density poly Ethylene) is collected from Agriculture waste, E-waste. The study also involves casting cube, beam and cylinder by using M-25 concrete with varying percentage of PCA and then testing compressive strength, flexural strength and Split tensile strength respectively. Also, from this study Optimum percentage replacement of natural aggregate by PCA was found out and that can be used in structural concrete

Knowledge and perceptions of teleaudiology among audiologists: a systematic review

The knowledge and perception of teleaudiology among audiologists will determine the acceptance and success of teleaudiology practice. This systematic review was conducted to review the published literature on knowledge and perceptions of teleaudiology application among audiologists.Five studies exploring knowledge and perceptions of teleaudiology application among audiologists published in the English language up to May 2017 were included.Positive attitudes was observed across the studies regarding acceptance towards application of teleaudiology. The most common sources of knowledge were on the job, graduate studies, and continuing education programs. The major barriers to the uptake of application of teleaudiology were in terms of limitations in infrastructure, reimbursement, and licensure.The study sheds light on the existing knowledge and perceptions of teleaudiology applications among audiologists. This will help in improving the existing teleaudiology services as well as overcome the challenges faced

Speech Language Pathologist’s Knowledge of Genetics – An Indian Perspective

Background and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine the knowledge, attitudes and confidence levels about genetics among speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in India; and further to identify the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and confidence levels. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was implemented to carry out an email-based survey to assess the knowledge, attitudes and confidence levels about genetics among SLP’s in India. Results: Responses from 121 SLP’s working with pediatric population were analyzed. Results suggested that 70.3% of responses were correct for the genetic knowledge based questions. The confidence levels and attitudes were in the medium categories. The primary sources of learning were from school lesson as reported by the professionals. There existed a positive correlation between knowledge index and the mean attitude and confidence levels. Conclusion: The findings of the present study add valuable information to international literature and provides suggestions towards increasing more topics related genetics into the curricula

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Among Nurses Towards Newborn Hearing Screening in India

Background and objectives: Multidisciplinary team approach can act as the major facilitator for the successful implementation of newborn hearing screening. Nurses can act as a good educator for the parents due to their close association. Therefore, the need was felt to explore the knowledge, attitudes and existing practices towards newborn hearing screening. Method: Cross-sectional study was carried out using the convenient sampling in a tertiary hospital to assess knowledge, attitude and practices. Results: The familiarity about newborn hearing screening was relatively low, also there was lack of surety regarding the ideal time for receiving additional testing for the newborns not passing the screening. More than 90% were positive about screening all newborns for hearing loss at the same time 40% felt that it leads to excessive anxiety and concerns. Conclusion: The role played by nurses include educating parents, explaining parents about impact of hearing loss, follow-up and facilitator for screening process as team member. Nurses showed positive attitude while at the same time emphasized need to have additional information