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Development of a physiotherapy-led balance clinic: the Aintree model

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 October 2014

A V Kasbekar ,
N Mullin ,
C Morrow ,
A M Youssef ,
T Kay  and
T H Lesser
A V Kasbekar*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
N Mullin
Affiliation:
Department of Physiotherapy, Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
C Morrow
Affiliation:
Department of Physiotherapy, Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
A M Youssef
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
T Kay
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
T H Lesser
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr Anand Kasbekar, 36 North Mossley Hill Road, Liverpool L18 8BP, UK Fax: +44 (0)1270 273462, E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objective:

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.

Methods:

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.

Results:

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.

Conclusion:

The physiotherapy-led balance clinic has reduced patient waiting times to be seen, has a high level of patient satisfaction and is economically beneficial.

Keywords

Postural BalanceAmbulatory Care FacilitiesPhysical Therapists
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 128 , Issue 11 , November 2014 , pp. 966 - 971
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2014 

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