Assessing the Social Relations of Newborn Hearing Screening Technology

Claudia Slegers, Evan Willis

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference PaperResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Abstract Following the implementation of newborn hearing screening internationally, screening to detect hearing loss in newborns has been introduced in some Australian hospitals over the past decade. Introduction of newborn screening has been premised on the understanding that the earliest detection of permanent childhood hearing loss, followed by quality early intervention, enhances a childa??s capacity to achieve his/her best possible communication and learning outcomes. Newborn screening introduces a compressed time period between birth, screening and diagnosis, yet no Australian research has thus far examined the implications of newborn screening and diagnosis from the perspective of the parents of diagnosed children. International research suggests potential negative effects of newborn screening and early knowledge of diagnosis on parent-child bonding, parentsa?? confidence with their parenting skills, and family mental health and well-being. In this paper, we utilise a sociologically informed health technology assessment framework to reflect on research prospects that arise from considering parentsa?? experiences of screening in order to facilitate a more family-centred, holistic policy and service delivery.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Future of Sociology
EditorsStewart Lockie, David Bissell, Alastair Greig, Maria Hynes, David Marsh, Larry Saha, Joanna Sikora, Dan Woodman
Place of PublicationCanberra
PublisherThe Australian Sociological Association (TASA)
Pages1 - 12
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)978-0-646-52501-3
Publication statusPublished - 2009
EventAustralian Sociological Association Annual Conference 2009: The Future of Sociology - The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
Duration: 1 Dec 20094 Dec 2009

Conference

ConferenceAustralian Sociological Association Annual Conference 2009
Abbreviated titleTASA 2009
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityCanberra
Period1/12/094/12/09

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