Improving mobility and participation of older people with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders in primary care using a care pathway: feasibility study and process evaluation

Abstract

BackgroundCommunity-dwelling older people are frequently affected by vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders (VDB). We previously developed a Care Pathway (CPW) to improve their mobility and participation by offering standardised approaches for general practitioners (GPs) and physical therapists (PTs). We aimed to assess the feasibility of the intervention, its implementation strategy and the study procedures in preparation for the subsequent main trial.MethodsThis 12-week prospective cohort feasibility study was accompanied by a process evaluation designed according to the UK Medical Research Council’s guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions. Patients with VDB (≥ 65 years), GPs and PTs in primary care were included. Intervention consisted of a diagnostic screening checklist for GPs and a guide for PTs. Implementation strategy contained specific educational trainings and a telephone helpline. Data for mixed-method process evaluation was collected via standardised questionnaires, field notes and qualitative interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, qualitative data via content analysis.ResultsA total of five GP practices (seven single GPs), 10 PT practices and 22 patients were included in the study. The recruitment of GPs and patients was challenging (response rate GP practices: 27,8%; PT practices: 38,5%). 91% of patients and all health professionals completed the study. The health professionals responded well to the educational trainings, the utilization of the telephone helpline was low (one call each from GPs and PTs). Routine in the intervention’s application and positive attitudes were emphasised as facilitators for the interventions’ implementation, whereas lack of time was mentioned as a barrier. Despite of difficulties in GPs’ adherence to intervention protocol, GPs, PTs and patients benefited from the intervention. The patients’ treatment adherence to physical therapy was good. There were minor issues in data collection, but no unintended consequences.ConclusionAlthough the process evaluation provides good support for the feasibility of study procedures, the intervention and its implementation strategy, we identified a need of improvement in recruitment, the GPs’ intervention part and data collection procedures. Findings will inform the main trial to prove the interventions effectiveness in a cluster RCT.Trial registrationDeutsches Register Klinischer Studien (German Clinical Trials Register) DRKS00022918, date of registration: 03.09.2020 (retrospectively registered); Projektdatenbank Versorgungsforschung Deutschland (German registry Health Services Research) VfD_MobilE-PHY_17_003910, date of registration: 30.11.2017

Comparative Effects of Backward Walk Training and Vestibular Therapy on Balance in Patients with Vestibular Disorders

“…Vestibular rehabilitation exercises are proved very effective in compensating and reducing vertigo and other sign and symptoms associated with vertigo, and also plays a vital role in improving body balance in people with vestibular dysfunction. Virtual reality is based on repetitive practice involving change in habits and relieving symptoms of dizziness (7) .Gaze stabilization exercises are included in adaptive exercises that will refers to stabilizing the eye in space in order to see clearly (8) . The vestibule-ocular reflex increases ability of a person to use visual cues for balance, helping to maintaining the eye stability during head movements and postural balance (9) .…”