Name
#163 Implementing the VA/DoD Tinnitus Clinical Practice Guidelines into Practice: What Every Clinician Needs to Know to Deliver Evidence-Based Care
Speakers
Content Presented on Behalf of
VHA/VA
Services/Agencies represented
Defense Health Agency (DHA), Veterans Health Administration/Veterans Affairs (VHA/VA)
Session Type
Posters
Room#/Location
Prince Georges Exhibit Hall A/B
Focus Areas/Topics
Clinical Care, Policy/Management/Administrative
Learning Outcomes
1. Participants will be able to describe the diagnostic criteria and assessment protocols recommended in the VA DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of tinnitus, ensuring accurate identification and evaluation of the condition.
2. Participants will be able to explain the various treatment modalities, including behavioral therapies, sound therapy, pharmacologic interventions, and patient education, and demonstrate how to integrate these approaches into individualized care plans for patients with tinnitus.
3. Participants will be able to identify the benefits of adhering to evidence-based guidelines and understand the importance of ongoing research in improving treatment efficacy and patient outcomes for veterans and active-duty service members suffering from tinnitus.
2. Participants will be able to explain the various treatment modalities, including behavioral therapies, sound therapy, pharmacologic interventions, and patient education, and demonstrate how to integrate these approaches into individualized care plans for patients with tinnitus.
3. Participants will be able to identify the benefits of adhering to evidence-based guidelines and understand the importance of ongoing research in improving treatment efficacy and patient outcomes for veterans and active-duty service members suffering from tinnitus.
Session Currently Live
Description
Tinnitus, a prevalent auditory condition among military personnel and veterans, significantly impacts quality of life and functional capabilities. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)/ Department of Defense (DoD) developed an inaugural Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Tinnitus to provide evidence-based recommendations to standardize care and optimize outcomes for individuals experiencing this condition. An interdisciplinary panel of practicing clinician experts led the joint agency guideline development effort. The work group conformed to the Institute of Medicine's tenets for trustworthy guidelines. The guideline panel developed key questions in collaboration with the ECRI Institute, which systematically searched and evaluated the literature. A total of 133 publications were reviewed, and recommendations are based on a systematic review of the scientific evidence, a weighing of the benefits and harms of interventions, a consideration of what is known about patient values and preferences, and a consideration of the applicability of the evidence across demographic groups and settings. This poster presentation outlines the key components of the guideline, including diagnostic criteria, assessment protocols, and multimodal treatment approaches. Emphasis is placed on the integration of behavioral therapies, sound therapy, pharmacologic interventions, and patient education. Additionally, the guidelines address the importance of individualized care plans and ongoing research to enhance treatment efficacy. By adhering to these guidelines, healthcare providers can deliver consistent, high-quality care, ultimately improving the health and well-being of veterans and active-duty service members affected by tinnitus.