In pursuit of increasing the application of tele-audiology in South Africa: COVID-19 puts on the alert for patient site facilitator training.

Only 13 studies were included, all published between 2017 and 2021, so the evidence base is small and recent. Most of the included evidence comes from the synchronous tele-audiology model. The asynchronous model, which the author argues is more relevant for South Africa, is represented by only three studies. Training practices across the 13 studies are highly heterogeneous in duration, content, and who delivers the training, making it difficult to identify a best practice. The review is limited to English-language publications. The review is descriptive. It documents what training exists but does not evaluate whether any approach is superior or effective for patient outcomes. The author's recommendations (using audiology technicians, adopting asynchronous models, embedding PSF training in a regulated role) are expert opinion, not tested interventions.

Do not read the 13 included studies as a robust evidence base for PSF training. The training practices are highly inconsistent (1 hour to 5 days, varied content, no standard), most come from the synchronous model, and the author's recommendations for audiology technicians and asynchronous tele-audiology are expert opinion, not tested interventions.