From physician’s authority to patient expertise: the effects of e-health technology use on patient’s behavior and physician-patient relationship

Short- and long-term effects of remote synchronous fine-tuning for first-time hearing aid users: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the short- and long-term effect of remote synchronous fine-tuning and follow-up visits on hearing-related problems and hearing aid (HA) benefits for first-time HA users.

DESIGN

A randomised controlled trial.

STUDY SAMPLE

Patients at public tax-funded HA clinics in Sweden due for aural rehabilitation (AR) were randomised to either an intervention group (n = 33) or a control group (n = 36). Both groups completed the conventional AR process, but the intervention group received synchronous remote fine-tuning of HAs and online follow-up visits. Outcome measures were used before and after intervention, and 6 months and 1 year after intervention.

RESULTS

Both groups improved hearing-related problems measured with the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly/Adults over time, and no significant differences were found between the groups. Such improvements were also found for the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit except for the subscale aversiveness. Both groups decreased the use of HAs in hours/day over time. The intervention group reported significant improvements in activity limitation when measured directly after the intervention, compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Synchronous remote fine-tuning and follow-ups for first-time HA users did not influence the outcomes of hearing-related problems and HA benefits differently from standard care at our clinic.

Ethical and Legal Aspects of Technology-Assisted Care in Neurodegenerative Disease

Technological solutions are increasingly seen as a way to respond to the demands of managing complex chronic conditions, especially neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease. All of these new possibilities provide a variety of chances to improve the lives of affected persons and their families, friends, and caregivers. However, there are also a number of challenges that should be considered in order to safeguard the interests of affected persons. In this article, we discuss the ethical and legal considerations associated with the use of technology-assisted care in the context of neurodegenerative conditions.