Hearing aids are often lost on hospital wards, they can become damaged and are not easily traced back to the patient.
Impact
Lost hearing aids on wards create issues for good communication and informed consent. Patient dignity may also be compromised as staff begin to raise their voices to ensure being heard. Thus the whole patient experience may be compromised.
Idea
We created a box for patients to keep their hearing aids in to act as a reminder to keep hold of the hearing aid and to alert staff to this additional aspect of care. The boxes have labels with the department’s contact details on so anyone who finds one can let them know. We have an audiologist working with inpatients who will attend the ward as soon as possible.Benefits
Patients are less likely to lose their hearing aids which means they can communicate effectively, there are fewer issues around informed consent, staff can speak to patients rather than shout and patient dignity remains intact. If a hearing aid is found, the contact details mean the department can be contacted. The boxes also highlight to staff that the patient has hearing problems and is at risk of losing their hearing aid, meaning staff are mindful of this when delivering care.
Charlotte Rogers, Audiology, dementia lead
For further information contact [email protected]