The Wellington Declaration 2015: The Way Forward for Audiology
Tue, 02 Jun 2015
| Independence Matters: Professionalism in Healthcare, an interactive seminar was held from 15 - 17 May in Wellington, NZ. The seminar was the first that was co-convened by Independent Audiologists Australia and Independent Audiologists New Zealand. An expert panel of bioethicists comprising Prof Paul Komesaroff, Assoc Prof Ian Kerridge, Prof Grant Gillett demonstrated how the audiology profession can be trusted if transparency is assured in all relationships between patients and professionals; and between all stakeholders, including industry.Information about the seminar, seminar reading lists and the programme can be accessed here.The Wellington Declaration was accepted by all delegates on Sunday 17 May 2015, representing many stakeholders - including independent audiologists, audiologists employed in other sectors, patients, consumer representatives and regulators. The declaration provides a way forward for audiologists to promote the profession as individuals, within professional associations such as ours, and across other bodies with whom we engage.The declaration is shown below and can be downloaded HERE.Further information about the declaration can be obtained from exec@independentaudiologists.net.au |
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THE WELLINGTON DECLARATION17 May 2015PreambleIndependent Audiologists Australia and Independent Audiologists New Zealand convened a three day interactive seminar in Wellington, NZ Independence Matters: Professionalism in Healthcare (15 - 17 May 2015), which was attended by a cross-section of audiologists, patients, consumer bodies, regulators, representatives of other health professions (including optometry, pharmacy and physiotherapy) and facilitated by panel of internationally recognised bioethicists comprising Professor Paul Komesaroff, Associate Professor Ian Kerridge and Professor Grant Gillett.The seminar drew attention to relationships that audiologists hold with industry that have emerged but which, to date, have not been clearly defined, disclosed, constrained or regulated. These relationships are known to be of concern to patients, audiologists and other stakeholders, having been the topic of recent public scrutiny in the media. In order for the profession of audiology to achieve a position of trust within society, steps need to be taken. In particular, audiologists need to ensure transparency in relationships between themselves and other stakeholders. |
DeclarationWe, the participants at the seminar co- convened by Independent Audiologists Australia and Independent Audiologists New Zealand, in Wellington, New Zealand, are mindful of the responsibility that rests on us at this moment in the history of our profession, to declare our commitment to:1. Ensuring a patient-centred approach within audiological services including the prescribing / dispensing elements of our practice.2. Building and strengthening relationships between stakeholders (including patients, colleagues, industry, funding bodies, regulators, training institutions, associations and health care practitioners) across the field of audiology in both Australia and New Zealand. 3. Promoting a single code of professional conduct for audiologists, that incorporates clinical, ethical and legal aspects of practicing audiology in Australia and New Zealand. 4. Reducing risk of harm (including risk of financial harm) to the public through seeking mandatory national registration in both New Zealand and Australia under the relevant regulatory structures. 5. Guaranteeing transparency of interests (financial and otherwise) that could be perceived to influence the clinical judgement and professional recommendations made by audiologists, including transparency in billing for products and services. 6. Encouraging professional bodies to uphold the code of conduct in the interests of all members, regardless of their employment status; including offering legal advice and mentoring within the profession. |
ImplementationIndependent Audiologists Australia Inc and Independent Audiologists New Zealand will set in motion the process of: |
EndorsementThis declaration has been endorsed by Mojo Mathers, MP and spokesperson for disability issues in the New Zealand parliament. |
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