Phase 2 of collaborative action around the implementation of virtual hearing aid care: Evaluation of a clinical practice guideline.

Abstract

Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a clinical practice guideline (CPG) around virtual hearing aid practices was developed to fill a knowledge gap within the field of audiology. Details outlining the development and mobilization of this draft guideline were outlined as Phase 1 (described in a paired paper). This study describes Phase 2 of this project as part of the Knowledge-to-Action Framework, including an evaluation of the methodological quality of the guideline and the resulting tailored version of the document (v2.0). The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument was used to assess methodological quality and to guide revisions. Twenty-two clinicians, from a variety of clinical backgrounds, participated in the evaluation. Findings reported across six domains suggest high mean scores, ranging from 78% to 81%, in order of scope and purpose (highest rated), stakeholder involvement, rigour of development, applicability, clarity of presentation, and editorial independence. Specific recommendations made by in international co-creation team during the evaluation informed the final version of the CPG. Future development and evaluation efforts should aim to include greater representation from nontraditional practice contexts to strengthen global applicability.