Parent Perspectives of Pediatricians as Facilitators and Barriers to Follow-Up for the Newborn Hearing Evaluation Process

Purpose: This study aims to examine the role of pediatricians as facilitators affecting follow-up throughout the newborn hearing screening (NBHS)/diagnostic process. Method: A qualitative study was conducted to evaluate parents' experiences with their pediatrician throughout the NBHS process. Individual interviews were conducted with 27 parents of children under 5 years, born in New Jersey, whose children referred on their NBHS. Questions were posed regarding the experience of their pediatricians throughout the hearing evaluations of their children. Responses were analyzed using an adapted grounded theory. In addition, statistical analysis was conducted using a chi-square analysis for goodness of fit with a Monte Carlo simulation. Results: Three themes emerged: (a) The level of pediatricians' involvement directly influenced positive follow-up for the recommendations of the NBHS. (b) Pediatricians used complex medical jargon, which overwhelmed parents and limited parental understanding. (c) Pediatricians downplayed the significance of the follow-up. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine if there was a pattern to support our thematic findings using chi-square analysis for Goodness of Fit. Three of 11 questions had statistically significant results. Conclusion: Suggestions were provided based on these recommendations from the parents' interviews to implement improvements in the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention system through primary care physician involvement.