Enhancing Pediatric Care Through a Multidisciplinary Hearing Disorder and Microtia (HDM) Clinic: A Comprehensive Analysis of Family Experiences and Outcomes

Background: The management of pediatric microtia and congenital hearing loss typically necessitates coordinated multidisciplinary input. Traditional fragmented care pathways across multiple specialties may contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment intervention, inconsistent counselling, increased logistical burden, and suboptimal care integration. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate family-reported outcomes following implementation of a multidisciplinary Hearing Disorder and Microtia (HDM) clinic, focusing on family satisfaction, perceived care efficiency, understanding of disease and treatment, and early uptake of hearing rehabilitation. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on families attending the HDM clinic at a tertiary pediatric center between 2022 and 2024. A structured post-visit survey assessed satisfaction, perceived efficiency, understanding of disease and treatment options, and overall experience. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Results: Twenty families were included. Overall satisfaction was high, with 95% rating the clinic experience as very good to excellent and expressing willingness to recommend the service. Improved care coordination and clarification of counselling were reported by the majority of respondents, alongside reduced logistical burden. Notably, 65% of families initiated hearing rehabilitation at the first visit. Thematic analysis identified convenience, unified specialist communication, and clarity of management planning as key strengths of the multidisciplinary model. Conclusions: A structured multidisciplinary HDM clinic significantly improves caregiver experience and facilitates earlier hearing rehabilitation in children with microtia and congenital hearing loss. Integrated care delivery enhances communication, reduces fragmentation, and supports timely, family-centered decision-making. This model may serve as a framework for other complex pediatric otologic conditions requiring longitudinal multidisciplinary management.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Hearing and Balance Medicine
Published
2026-07-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ohbm7020027
Primary Topic
Ear Surgery and Otitis Media
Type
article
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article

Enhancing Pediatric Care Through a Multidisciplinary Hearing Disorder and Microtia (HDM) Clinic: A Comprehensive Analysis of Family Experiences and Outcomes

Ching Yee Chan, See Hui Chiu, Sonia Jaya Sankaran
Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Hearing and Balance Medicine
Ear Surgery and Otitis Media
article

Enhancing Pediatric Care Through a Multidisciplinary Hearing Disorder and Microtia (HDM) Clinic: A Comprehensive Analysis of Family Experiences and Outcomes

Ching Yee Chan, See Hui Chiu, Sonia Jaya Sankaran
article en

Abstract

Background: The management of pediatric microtia and congenital hearing loss typically necessitates coordinated multidisciplinary input. Traditional fragmented care pathways across multiple specialties may contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment intervention, inconsistent counselling, increased logistical burden, and suboptimal care integration. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate family-reported outcomes following implementation of a multidisciplinary Hearing Disorder and Microtia (HDM) clinic, focusing on family satisfaction, perceived care efficiency, understanding of disease and treatment, and early uptake of hearing rehabilitation. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on families attending the HDM clinic at a tertiary pediatric center between 2022 and 2024. A structured post-visit survey assessed satisfaction, perceived efficiency, understanding of disease and treatment options, and overall experience. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis. Results: Twenty families were included. Overall satisfaction was high, with 95% rating the clinic experience as very good to excellent and expressing willingness to recommend the service. Improved care coordination and clarification of counselling were reported by the majority of respondents, alongside reduced logistical burden. Notably, 65% of families initiated hearing rehabilitation at the first visit. Thematic analysis identified convenience, unified specialist communication, and clarity of management planning as key strengths of the multidisciplinary model. Conclusions: A structured multidisciplinary HDM clinic significantly improves caregiver experience and facilitates earlier hearing rehabilitation in children with microtia and congenital hearing loss. Integrated care delivery enhances communication, reduces fragmentation, and supports timely, family-centered decision-making. This model may serve as a framework for other complex pediatric otologic conditions requiring longitudinal multidisciplinary management.

Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Hearing and Balance MedicineVol. 7(2)
KK Women's and Children's Hospital (SG)
Peace, Justice and strong institutions
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Ear Surgery and Otitis Media
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