Neonatal Hearing Screening: protocols, obstacles and perspectives of speech therapists in Brazil - 10 years of Brazilian Federal Law 12,303/2010

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to know the current scenario of speech audiology therapy activities at NHS in Brazil, identifying its obstacles and perspectives, as well as verifying the adequacy of national NHS Programs to the pre-established quality indicators. Methods: Analytical observational study, carried out with speech therapists in the exercise of NHS in Brazil, between August 2018 and August 2019, through a structured online questionnaire. Descriptive and correlational analyzes of the data were performed using the SPSS version 22.0 program. Results: The effective practice of NHS was not entirely consistent with official protocols. 48.5% of speech therapists stated that NHS interruption at some point in the workplace, especially due to the need to repair the equipment (64.7%). As for the flow records and care-related data, which include quality indicators there was greater control over the total number of neonates who underwent NHS (87.9%) and less control over false-positive results (21.2%). 81.8% of speech-language-hearing therapists said they were available to use a system for recording and controlling NHS data. Conclusion: Although professionals’ practices are generally consistent with official protocols, the non-linearity of the process and the lack of data control are important obstacles to the quality of NHS services. Most of the national NHS programs presented do not meet the pre-established quality indicators. It is considered that the computerization of records can benefit professionals and enhance the implementation of NHS provided for in Brazilian laws and public policies.