RP205 - Analyzing the Effectiveness of Automated Audiometry as a Possible Triage Tool for Walk-in Patient Traffic

Abstract:
Clinic time is valuable and must be used efficiently. Patients vary in their needs, making it crucial to categorize them for effective scheduling. Automated audiometry offers a potential solution, providing tests when clinicians are unavailable and filtering out those with normal hearing. This study categorized walk-in patients by their interest in hearing assessments and evaluated the feasibility of offering immediate automated tests. Of the 6% who inquired about assessments, 75% were offered tests, 67% accepted, and 93% completed them. Automated audiometry could enhance clinic efficiency by reducing caseloads, shortening wait times, and improving patient satisfaction.

Summary:
This study examines walk-in patient traffic and attempts to categorize patients based on factors like interest in hearing assessment. It then assesses the feasibility of offering these immediate automated hearing assessments to preserve clinic time for the patients that need it most to reduce caseloads, shorten wait times, and improve patient satisfaction.

Background:
Not all patients book assessment services in advance. However, walk-in patients may seek help for loved ones, need services beyond assessments, or be unable to test immediately for various reasons and limitations. Clinics also often lack capacity in their schedule for walk-ins, but automated audiometry could be a solution, offering tests even when clinicians are unavailable.

Methods:
Client care coordinators at three established clinics documented the purpose of the visit of 1040 walk-in patients. For assessment inquiries, patients were offered immediate automated tests using GSI AMTAS. Data on compliance, acceptance, and test completion were recorded.

Results:
Only 6% of walk-ins inquired about assessments. Of these, 75% were offered automated tests, 67% accepted, and 93% completed the process. Outcomes such as conversion rates and hearing aid acceptance were also obtained.

Conclusions:
Assuming sufficient patient traffic, automated audiometry shows promise in improving clinic efficiency and patient service by potentially reducing caseloads, shortening wait times and enhancing patient satisfaction with immediate testing options.

Brief Summary of Clinical Takeaways:
Following this presentation, attendees will gain an understanding of automated audiometry and what it can or can not do for their practice. Attendees will also better understand patient walk-in traffic volumes and distributions, helping them decide if employing automated audiometry might be right for their practice.