Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Date of Degree

6-2022

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Au.D.

Program

Audiology

Advisor

Brett Martin

Advisor

Carol Silverman

Subject Categories

Medicine and Health Sciences

Keywords

audiology, pharmacology, medication, patient-centered, side effects, cognition

Abstract

Objective:The purpose of this research is to develop a pharmacology guide for Audiologists and Audiology students to promote patient-centered care in audiology.

Introduction: Clinical audiology doctoral (Au.D.) graduate programs provide little education to audiology students on the topic of pharmacology. In order to provide optimal, patient-centered care, the Audiologist must be familiar with commonly prescribed medications, the conditions that they are used to treat, and their effects on the body. Knowledge of patient medication use can help the Audiologist orient their practice to the present health condition of the patient. An evidence-based guide for audiologists and audiology students on the 25 most commonly prescribed medications in the United States is presented. This guide was developed to enhance patient-centered clinical practice for Audiologists and Audiology students using knowledge of common medications and the implications of medication use.

Methods:Using a list from the ClinCalc online Drugstats database, the 25 most commonly prescribed medications in the United States in 2019 were gathered. A chart was compiled using information from PDR.net: Providers Digital Reference to include rank of prescription, drug generic name, drug class(es), description of drug, mechanism of action, treatment uses, off-label uses, and drug adverse reactions including: vestibular side effects, tinnitus side effects, ear side effects, cognitive side effects, visual side effects and other audiologically-relevant side effects. Results: The guide is compiled and included as a link in table format. Additional tables are included to show frequency of drug class, generic name and treatment uses, frequency of vestibular side effects, frequency of tinnitus side effects and frequency of ear side effects.

Dissemination: This chart is to be presented in fulfillment of the Doctor of Audiology capstone project at the CUNY Graduate Center. A digital copy will be provided to all faculty and student attendees of the capstone presentation and can henceforth be used at student clinical sites.

Discussion: After dissemination, this chart is intended for clinical use by faculty and students to aid in clinical decision-making and promote patient-centered clinical care.

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