The person-centered approach to healthcare has been proven to reduce the number of diagnostic tests, referrals, clinical errors, and malpractice claims, to lead to shorter stays in hospital and fewer medical visits, and to increase efficiency and reduce overall costs.
In hearing care, the person-centered approach can save time and increase efficiency by enabling clinicians to quickly uncover their clients’ specific challenges and needs. Yes, it requires an initial investment in training, but this is time-saving and boosts the bottom line in the long run, as clinics can reduce return visits and see more clients.
And by involving the client in decisions about treatment and family members in the rehabilitation process, clinicians can build trust with their clients. Greater trust improves adherence, outcomes, and client satisfaction, making it more likely they will recommend this clinic to others.
For example…
A 2014 analysis of 63 audiology appointments showed that where audiologists failed to address patients’ psychosocial concerns about hearing aids – i.e. where they failed to be person-centered – these were repeatedly re-raised, lengthening the management phase of the appointment.
In contrast, a 2022 study showed that the use of an Ida Institute person-centered counseling tool enabled clinicians to rapidly identify and examine individual patients’ needs and improve the flow and efficiency of the appointment.
“All it costs is the time to train staff; you don’t actually need any new equipment. Time is the main initial cost and if everybody gets on board, you will eventually save tenfold.”
- Naomi Russell, Specialist Audiologist at Nottingham University Hospital, UK
“As we visit our practitioners across the country, we generally see that those dispensers that are intuitively empathetic and have a person-centered care approach are generally the ones with thriving businesses.”
- Nick Taylor, Specsavers ANZ Head of Product & Professional Services - Audiology, Australia
“Once we implemented PCC, the entire process for us changed. We connected to our patients in a more substantial way and felt like we became a part of their lives especially in their healthcare journey. From the bottom line standpoint, we saw more successful fittings and less return for credits.”
- Tim Winstead, Director, Hearing Doctors of Georgia, USA