Improving hearing healthcare access in rural communities
Hearing Healthcare Assessment in Rural Communities (HHARC)
This study is testing a new program to help adults in rural Kentucky get better access to hearing tests and care for hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 500 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kentucky Academic / other |
| Locations | 9 sites (Campbellsville, Kentucky and 8 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05786794 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to develop and evaluate a community-based patient navigation program designed to increase access to hearing healthcare for adults living in rural Kentucky. The program will involve 500 participants from 10 rural clinics, focusing on facilitating diagnostic hearing tests for those at risk of hearing loss. The primary outcome will be the number of participants who obtain a diagnostic audiogram within 12 months of enrollment. By addressing barriers to care in these communities, the study seeks to improve overall hearing health outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older living in rural Kentucky who are at risk for hearing loss.
Not a fit: Patients under 18 years of age will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly increase the number of rural adults receiving timely hearing assessments and interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that community-based navigation programs can effectively improve access to healthcare services, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Able to speak, understand, and read English. * Patient of a participating primary care clinic Exclusion Criteria: -Under 18
Where this trial is running
Campbellsville, Kentucky and 8 other locations
- One Cross Medical Clinic — Campbellsville, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
- United Clinics of Kentuck — Campton, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
- Blount Rural Health Center — Elkton, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
- North Fork Valley Community Health — Hazard, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
- Primary Care Centers of Eastern Kentucky — Hazard, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
- Estill Medical Clinic — Irvine, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
- Juniper Health — Jackson, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
- United Clinics of Kentucky — Jackson, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
- University of Kentucky Department of Otolaryngology — Lexington, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matthew L Bush, M.D. — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Matthew L Bush, M.D.
- Email: matthew.bush@uky.edu
- Phone: 859-218-2167
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.