Pilot cluster randomized controlled trial of a complex intervention to improve management of vertigo in primary care (PRIMA-Vertigo): study protocol

Kovacs, Eva; Stephan, Anna-Janina; Phillips, Amanda; Schelling, J.; Strobl, Ralf und Grill, Eva (2018): Pilot cluster randomized controlled trial of a complex intervention to improve management of vertigo in primary care (PRIMA-Vertigo): study protocol. In: Current Medical Research and Opinion

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Vertigo and dizziness are highly prevalent symptoms in primary care, frequently misdiagnosed. Based on a thorough need assessment, INDICORE (INform, DIagnose, COmmunicate, REfer), an evidence-based complex intervention has been developed to transfer knowledge of specialized tertiary clinics to primary care providers (PCPs), improve the referral process and, ultimately, improve functioning and quality of life of patients with vertigo/dizziness. The main objective of the PRIMA-Vertigo pilot study is to examine whether the INDICORE intervention is feasible and sufficiently promising to warrant a larger trial. METHODS: We plan to perform a single-blind, pragmatic cluster-randomized controlled pilot study with an accompanying process evaluation. PCPs will be the cluster units of randomization. Patients who consult these PCPs because of vertigo/dizziness symptoms will be included consecutively and considered the units of analysis. Intervention will be a multi-faceted training on diagnostics targeted at the PCPs, supported by patient education material and a newly developed tool to structure the referral process. To balance the influence of non-specific effects, all clusters will receive a generic communication training. EXPECTED RESULTS: The process evaluation aims to provide results on the acceptability and the feasibility of the INDICORE intervention components to PCPs and patients. Additionally, this study will provide a first estimate on the likely effectiveness of the intervention on patients' quality of life, functioning and participation. CONCLUSIONS: The PRIMA-Vertigo pilot study will allow further tailoring of the INDICORE intervention to stakeholder needs before its effectiveness is evaluated in a large-scale main study.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Keywords: primary health care; general practitioners; vertigo; dizziness; guideline; referral and consultation
• Fakultät: Medizin > Institut für Medizinische Informationsverarbeitung, Biometrie und Epidemiologie ; Medizin > Institut für Medizinische Informationsverarbeitung, Biometrie und Epidemiologie > Epidemiologie für Schwindelerkrankungen
• Themengebiete: 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• ISSN: 1473-4877 ; 0300-7995
• Sprache: Englisch