title: Improving regional universal newborn hearing screening programmes in Italy.
abstract: The Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) programme aims at achieving early detection of hearing impairment. Subsequent diagnosis and intervention should follow promptly. Within the framework of the Ministry of Health project CCM 2013 "Preventing Communication Disorders: a Regional Program for early Identification, Intervention and Care of Hearing Impaired Children", the limitations and strengths of current UNHS programs in Italy have been analysed by a group of professionals working in tertiary centres involved in regional UNHS programmes, using SWOT analysis and a subsequent TOWS matrix. Coverage and lost-to-follow up rates are issues related to UNHS programmes. Recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the UNHS programme have been identified. The need for homogeneous policies, high-quality information and dissemination of knowledge for operators and families of hearing-impaired children emerged from the discussion.
authors.affiliation: Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, University of Perugia, Italy;
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Molini
authors.affiliation: Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, University of Perugia, Italy;
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Cristi
authors.affiliation: Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, University of Perugia, Italy;
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lapenna
authors.affiliation: Otorhinolaryngology Unit, Hospital of Città di Castello, Italy;
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Calzolaro
authors.affiliation: Audiology and Otolaryngology Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy;
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Muzzi
authors.affiliation: Audiology and Otolaryngology Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy;
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ciciriello
authors.affiliation: Otology and Cochlear Implant Unit, Santobono-Pausilipon Children's Hospital, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Della Volpe
authors.affiliation: Audiology and Otolaryngology Unit, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS "Burlo Garofolo", Trieste, Italy;
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Orzan
authors.affiliation: Otorhinolaryngology Clinic, University of Perugia, Italy;
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ricci
mesh_terms: D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006320:Hearing Tests; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007558:Italy; D015997:Neonatal Screening
keywords: Early intervention; Newborn hearing screening; SWOT analysis