Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan HL (1), Hui CWC (1), Kwan KCP (1), Chu PNA (1), Ip MW (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Problems related to dizziness or vertigo are common. Untreated dizziness or vertigo contributes to high fall risk, increase burden of healthcare system and low quality of life. Early management could prevent negative impacts. Existing routine waiting time of Special Out-Patient Department (SOPD) appointment of new referrals to Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department could be up to one year. The Integrated Vestibular Nurse Clinic (IVNC), cooperated by ENT nurse, physiotherapist and audiologist, was established in 2022 aiming to provide early care for patients.
Objectives :
(1) To provide early nursing care to patients with vertigo or dizziness problems
(2) To perform timely assessment and vestibular rehabilitation
Methodology :
Routine cases complaining vertigo or dizziness with new referral to ENT SOPD will be recruited. Patient will first receive assessment in joint clinic by ENT nurse and physiotherapist. Vestibular rehabilitation and audiological assessment will be arranged if needed. After completion of audiological assessment and vestibular rehabilitation session, patients will be reassessed by ENT nurse.
Result & Outcome :
During October 2022 to September 2024, 687 patients attended IVNC. The mean waiting time for patients to receive assessment was 5.6 weeks, which was shortened by 52.9 weeks compared to that of ENT appointment. 4.9% of cases with red flag features were identified with SOPD appointment advanced. Upon outcome evaluation, over 80% patients showed symptom improvement, with more than 20% reported completely recovered. Results of Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Numeric Rating Scale decreased by 55.3% and 51.2% respectively, which showed improvement of disease condition after IVNC. No patient report fall injury after receiving IVNC service. Over 80% patients reported enhanced knowledge and better drug compliance. By September 2024, 499 cases have had their first ENT appointment, with 30% of them were case closed. A satisfaction rate of 4.7 out of 5.0 was obtained from patients.
