ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To synthesise evidence-based research concerning the assessment and management of acute dizziness via construction of a comprehensive clinical algorithm. Assess its clinical impact with an aim to improve the acute management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) within Wyong Public Hospital ED in four key recommendations. METHOD: Current best practice models of care were synthesised into a single clinical, district-based peer-reviewed algorithm by a specialist focus group. An observational pre- and post-implementation study was completed to assess the impact of the algorithm on the management of BPPV. A total of 162 notes (pre [control] n = 87 and post [intervention] n = 75) met the inclusion criteria. Adherence to the BPPV clinical practice guidelines statements 1a, 3a, 4a and 6 were analysed for statistical difference in practice between the two groups. RESULTS: Following implementation of the Emergency VESTibular Algorithm (EVESTA), compliance showed a significant improvement in Hallpike-Dix performed by 27% (95% confidence interval [CI] 14-40%; defects pre-intervention 40%: post-intervention 13%) (P < 0.001), utilisation of neuroimaging reduced by 16% (95% CI 2-30%; 40%: 24%) (P < 0.05), repositioning techniques performed increased by 33% (95% CI 18-48%; 68%: 36%) (P < 0.001). Administration of vestibular suppressant medication reduced by 30% (95% CI 15-45%; 59%: 29%) (P < 0.001). An interrupted time series analysis confirmed significant change in BPPV admissions post-project -4.23% (95% CI -7.20, -1.27%) (P = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Diagnosis and management of acute dizziness is challenging within the ED. Synthesis of best practice into a clinical algorithm has improved the diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of BPPV. There is continued opportunity to improve the efficiency and effectiveness in the management of both central and peripheral acute dizziness within the ED.
Subject(s)
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo , Dizziness , Humans , Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo/diagnosis , Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo/therapy , Dizziness/therapy , Patient Positioning/methods , Interrupted Time Series AnalysisABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyse adherence to evidence based practice in the diagnosis and treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in a regional ED. METHODS: Retrospective observational population study. Wyong Hospital's ED, Central Coast Local Health District, New South Wales, Australia. Medical records of patients with an ED diagnosis of BPPV (n = 101) between 2017 and 2018 were included for auditing. Adherence to clinical practice guidelines for BPPV4 statements 1a, 3a, 4a and 6 were reviewed as primary outcomes using a de-identified binary data excel tool. These outcomes were compared to available data from metropolitan tertiary EDs both in Australia and the USA. RESULTS: General compliance to best practice standards was low. Of patients diagnosed with BPPV in the ED only 45% (95% CI 35-54%) were diagnosed with the recommended Hallpike-Dix positional test. Of those patients who did receive diagnosis via the Hallpike-Dix test only 41% (95% CI 28-56%) went on to receive gold standard recommended treatment of a canalith repositioning manoeuvre/technique. In regards to the recommendations against practice, 36% (95% CI 28-46%) had neuroimaging performed in the ED and 58% (95% CI 48-68%) received vestibular suppressant medication as their only treatment prior to discharge. CONCLUSION: Adherence to best practice diagnosis and management of BPPV was low in Wyong Hospital's ED. Although low, Wyong Hospital's ED appeared to perform better in compliance to the clinical guidelines to its metropolitan Australian peer. There is opportunity to improve the efficiency and effectiveness in the management of acute peripheral dizziness in EDs.