Dizziness affects up to 25% of the population and can lead to a reduced quality of life, anxiety and emotional distress, loss of fitness, lack of confidence in balance, unsteadiness and an increased risk of falling. This project is an evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of booklet based self-management of dizziness in primary care, with and without expert telephone support.
Trials have shown that chronic dizziness can be treated effectively in primary care using a self-help booklet to teach patients vestibular rehabilitation exercises that promote neurological adaptation and skill and confidence in balance. However, brief support from a trained nurse was provided in these trials, and this model of managing dizzy patients has not been taken up due to a lack of skills and resources in primary care. This trial will evaluate two new alternative models of delivery that may be more feasible and cost-effective.
The primary aim of this trial is to evaluate whether a self-help booklet that teaches patients vestibular rehabilitation exercises, combined with telephone support will be more effective than routine care in reducing symptoms, disability, handicap and improving quality of life. The secondary aim is to also explore the effectiveness of the self-help booklet without any support with routine care, and calculate the costs of treatment in each arm.
Duration: 2008-2011
Funded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Research for Patient Benefit Programme (RfPB). Reference number: PB-PG-0107-12069