Pitfalls, patience and patients: developing a physiotherapy-led balance clinic

Abstract

BackgroundBalance dysfunction and vestibular conditions are major problems requiring significant resources. There is significant national and international variation in management pathways for such patients.MethodsThis paper outlines a collaborative project run by the ENT department and two vestibular rehabilitation trained physiotherapists to establish a clinic to manage patients referred to ENT with vestibular and/or balance complaints. As part of a six-month pilot, two physiotherapy-led balance clinics were provided per week.ResultsA total of 159 new patients were seen, with only 15 needing ENT consultant input. This led to the successful creation of substantive posts; the clinic has seen 698 patients in its first two years.ConclusionPatient outcomes and experience have been positive, and accompanied by reduced waiting and in-service times. The authors discuss some of the pitfalls, challenges and opportunities of developing this type of clinic.