Clinical Time Savings and Experiences Using a Business-to-Customer Model for Cochlear Implant Sound Processor Upgrades
This study assesses the implementation and time savings associated with an innovative business-to-customer model (B2C) for the remote application of sound processor upgrades, a task related to ongoing cochlear implant maintenance. The upgrade to recipient model (U2R) involves the transfer of patient...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SAGE Publishing
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Inquiry: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1177/00469580251332569 |
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| author | Jane Bradley MSc Wendy J. Huinck PhD Angella Fuller BSc Martin O’Driscoll PhD Lorna Whitehouse MSc Andrew Soulby MSc Paula Greenham MSc |
| author_facet | Jane Bradley MSc Wendy J. Huinck PhD Angella Fuller BSc Martin O’Driscoll PhD Lorna Whitehouse MSc Andrew Soulby MSc Paula Greenham MSc |
| author_sort | Jane Bradley MSc |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study assesses the implementation and time savings associated with an innovative business-to-customer model (B2C) for the remote application of sound processor upgrades, a task related to ongoing cochlear implant maintenance. The upgrade to recipient model (U2R) involves the transfer of patient data to a cloud where the company that supplies the upgraded processor can upload it into the devices and dispatch them directly to the patient. It replaces the traditional face to face model, requiring patients to come into the clinic. Four clinics in the U.K. and one in the Netherlands were surveyed on their experiences and satisfaction levels after implementing this model. The time saved when using the U2R model was compared to the time taken for a face-to-face appointment. Upgrades were done using the U2R model in 43% of adults and children. Time savings ranged between 21 and 65 minutes per patient. Although patients were reported to be satisfied with the service, up to 50% of U2R patients requested a further in clinic follow up appointment. Four out of five clinics were satisfied with the current U2R model and would recommend it to another clinic. The other clinic required modifications to the administration of the model. Large savings in clinic and patients costs and time were reported. Streamlining the process within clinics and providing better remote support for patient reassurance and to solve equipment issues at home would ensure that time savings are maximised and the B2C model provides comparable quality to an in-clinic appointment. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-3feee73779684c05a38da84dca299f8a |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 0046-9580 1945-7243 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | SAGE Publishing |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Inquiry: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing |
| spelling | doaj-art-3feee73779684c05a38da84dca299f8a2025-08-20T03:52:24ZengSAGE PublishingInquiry: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing0046-95801945-72432025-04-016210.1177/00469580251332569Clinical Time Savings and Experiences Using a Business-to-Customer Model for Cochlear Implant Sound Processor UpgradesJane Bradley MSc0Wendy J. Huinck PhD1Angella Fuller BSc2Martin O’Driscoll PhD3Lorna Whitehouse MSc4Andrew Soulby MSc5Paula Greenham MSc6The Auditory Implant Department, Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, London, UKDonders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The NetherlandsThe Richard Ramsden Centre for Auditory Implants, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UKThe Richard Ramsden Centre for Auditory Implants, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UKMidlands Adult Hearing Implant Programme, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Audiology Centre, Birmingham, UKHearing Implant Centre, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UKGreenham Research Consulting Ltd., Ashbury, Oxon, UKThis study assesses the implementation and time savings associated with an innovative business-to-customer model (B2C) for the remote application of sound processor upgrades, a task related to ongoing cochlear implant maintenance. The upgrade to recipient model (U2R) involves the transfer of patient data to a cloud where the company that supplies the upgraded processor can upload it into the devices and dispatch them directly to the patient. It replaces the traditional face to face model, requiring patients to come into the clinic. Four clinics in the U.K. and one in the Netherlands were surveyed on their experiences and satisfaction levels after implementing this model. The time saved when using the U2R model was compared to the time taken for a face-to-face appointment. Upgrades were done using the U2R model in 43% of adults and children. Time savings ranged between 21 and 65 minutes per patient. Although patients were reported to be satisfied with the service, up to 50% of U2R patients requested a further in clinic follow up appointment. Four out of five clinics were satisfied with the current U2R model and would recommend it to another clinic. The other clinic required modifications to the administration of the model. Large savings in clinic and patients costs and time were reported. Streamlining the process within clinics and providing better remote support for patient reassurance and to solve equipment issues at home would ensure that time savings are maximised and the B2C model provides comparable quality to an in-clinic appointment.https://doi.org/10.1177/00469580251332569 |
| spellingShingle | Jane Bradley MSc Wendy J. Huinck PhD Angella Fuller BSc Martin O’Driscoll PhD Lorna Whitehouse MSc Andrew Soulby MSc Paula Greenham MSc Clinical Time Savings and Experiences Using a Business-to-Customer Model for Cochlear Implant Sound Processor Upgrades Inquiry: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing |
| title | Clinical Time Savings and Experiences Using a Business-to-Customer Model for Cochlear Implant Sound Processor Upgrades |
| title_full | Clinical Time Savings and Experiences Using a Business-to-Customer Model for Cochlear Implant Sound Processor Upgrades |
| title_fullStr | Clinical Time Savings and Experiences Using a Business-to-Customer Model for Cochlear Implant Sound Processor Upgrades |
| title_full_unstemmed | Clinical Time Savings and Experiences Using a Business-to-Customer Model for Cochlear Implant Sound Processor Upgrades |
| title_short | Clinical Time Savings and Experiences Using a Business-to-Customer Model for Cochlear Implant Sound Processor Upgrades |
| title_sort | clinical time savings and experiences using a business to customer model for cochlear implant sound processor upgrades |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1177/00469580251332569 |
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