Development of a physiotherapy-led balance clinic: the Aintree model. Issue 11 (November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kasbekar, A V; Mullin, N; Morrow, C; Youssef, A M; Kay, T; Lesser, T H
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 128:Issue 11(2014)
• Page Start: 966
• Page End: 971
• Publication Date: 2014-11
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215114002060
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="sec1"> <title>Objective:</title> <p>To create a 'one-stop' clinic in which assessment, diagnosis, treatment and therapies for most patients presenting with balance and dizziness disorders are delivered simultaneously.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec2"> <title>Methods:</title> <p>Patients triaged via referral letters were selected to attend the balance clinic, which is led by specialist balance physiotherapists. Patients were seen by an audiologist, and a 'balance' ENT consultant was available for joint consultations when required. Further details of the clinic set up are discussed.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec3"> <title>Results:</title> <p>Over an 18-month period, 200 new 'dizzy' patients attended the clinic. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and labyrinthitis were the commonest diagnoses. Fifty per cent of all patients were discharged after a single clinic visit. Questionnaires showed that patient satisfaction was high.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec4"> <title>Conclusion:</title> <p>The physiotherapy-led balance clinic has reduced patient waiting times to be seen, has a high level of patient satisfaction and is economically beneficial.</p> </sec> </abstract>