Monday 17th February
On the 4th February, I attended the research launch for Tinnitus UK. The report was on the current state of tinnitus care in the UK. Sonja Jones, one of the authors of the report, did state that whilst the responses were small and they could only work with the information sent in, we should be concerned about several aspects of what tinnitus patients experience. The report looked at both NHS and independent provision. NHS waits were long, and tinnitus care was not seen as a priority in the independent sector. There were plenty of discussions on the day about the appropriateness of audiologists delivering CBT based therapy. I participated in the round table discussions led by Alex Brooks-Johnson, CEO at Tinnitus UK, where a range of professionals discussed what happens next. Suggestions included creating guidelines for the initial conversation professionals have with Tinnitus patients, whichever health professional it is.
We also discussed the training available for tinnitus assessment and management. It was felt there wasn’t enough specific training delivered in our education routes. It is worth noting that through your BAA membership, you can access two levels of tinnitus training as CPD. We have the introduction to tinnitus care, this is self-directed learning using the Tinnitus UK Take on Tinnitus modules, some recorded lectures, and the completion of two patient reflections where you have applied your learning – these are assessed by Tinnitus professionals and a certificate issued for your CPD records. Then there is the Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Higher Training Scheme (HTS) module. This is more in-depth, with the need to complete an M-level module and then practical learning within your workplace. You are then assessed practically with two patients. Both are open to all members, regardless of where you work.
As we mentioned in the last Horizons, we will increase the membership fee this April. BAA are committed to providing value for your membership and are happy to have any feedback or ideas on how we can improve this. Over the next couple of months, we will showcase what our membership benefits are, as there are many, and some get overlooked.
We are endeavouring to be more transparent with many aspects of the work we undertake on your behalf. One way we will do this is by sharing some insight into the meetings we are invited to participate in. You can read about a few of these meetings from the last couple of weeks here: BAA Board Meetings
As ever, you can contact me or any of our board directors here: admin@baaudiology.org
Take care
Claire
BAA President
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