Adoption and implementation of teleaudiology as a telehealth model in Jordan and Arab countries: A cross-sectional survey.

Abstract

Telehealth is the provision of healthcare services remotely via telecommunications technology. The implementation, clinical applications, and perceived effectiveness of telehealth among audiologists across the Arab region, particularly following its accelerated adoption due to the COVID-19 pandemic was investigated. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between April and June 2024 among 194 audiologists from multiple countries. A non-probability purposive sampling approach was implemented. The respondents were grouped into providers and non-providers of telehealth services. The questionnaire collected data on demographics, service delivery models, telehealth applications, training background, and perceived challenges. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed to identify predictors of teleaudiology adoption. 46.9% of the sample reported providing telehealth services. Many of them (69.2%) indicated that they began offering telehealth services following the COVID-19 pandemic. Synchronous delivery was commonly utilised. Younger professionals and those employed in public institutions were more likely to engage in remote service delivery (p< 0.05). Barriers included limited formal training and limited infrastructure. Remarkably, 94% of non-providers expressed interest in implementing teleaudiology in the future. The audiologists' reported perceptions and experiences indicate that teleaudiology remains limited in clinical diagnostic service delivery. Broader integration of teleaudiology practices may benefit from enhanced professional training, the development of standardised guidelines, and investment in technological infrastructure to support access to remote hearing healthcare.