Table 10 Observations regarding tinnitus services, including unhelpful attitudes and suggestions for improvements (n = 604)
From: Tinnitus services in the United Kingdom: a survey of patient experiences
Respondents | ||
|---|---|---|
(n) | (%) | |
Comments regarding tinnitus services | ||
Services poor or unavailable locally: had to travel | 12 | 1.99 |
Paid for private treatment | 32 | 5.23 |
Had to go through the system more than once: “revolving door” healthcare | 8 | 1.32 |
Had to be very persistent to obtain referral to tinnitus services | 21 | 3.48 |
Learnt to self-manage tinnitus | 12 | 1.99 |
Gave up interacting with healthcare services | 2 | 0.33 |
Factors that would improve tinnitus services | ||
More information | 11 | 1.82 |
A quicker service from tinnitus services | 42 | 6.95 |
More extensive diagnostic services | 15 | 2.48 |
Easier booking of follow-up appointments | 8 | 1.32 |
Easier access to audiology | 2 | 0.33 |
Easier access to psychology | 6 | 0.99 |
More general recognition and awareness | 31 | 5.13 |
More knowledge of local tinnitus options by General Practitioners | 9 | 1.49 |
More research and /or a cure | 19 | 3.15 |
Negative experience of tinnitus services | ||
Told by healthcare professional that nothing can be done/they will have to live with the tinnitus | 201 | 33.28 |
Patient concluded that nothing can be done/they will have to live with the tinnitus | 19 | 3.15 |