Comparative Analysis of the Efficiency of Two Treatment Protocols for Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common vertigo of labyrinthine origin, its social and healthcare impact is remarkable. It has recently been shown that single session treatment is as safe and effective as weekly treatment, which could have impact on direct and indirect costs related to the disease. The objective of this study is to determine whether single session treatment of unilateral posterior canal BPPV canalolithiasis is more efficient than conventional treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was performed in 53 consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral posterior canal BPPV canalolithiasis previously untreated: 26 patients were assigned to single session treatment and 27 patients to weekly treatment. Average and total cost of care, consultation time and the impact in terms of temporary disability and loss of productivity for the company due to patients' medical visits were compared. RESULTS: Average and total cost of care and loss of productivity for the company due to patients' medical visits were significantly lower in the single session group. Consultation time was also better in this group when travelling time was considered. CONCLUSIONS: The single session protocol is fast, effective and reduces direct and indirect cost of care related to disease justifying high resolution consultations.

Análisis comparativo de la eficiencia de dos protocolos de tratamiento del vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno del conducto semicircular posterior / Comparative Analysis of the Efficiency of Two Treatment Protocols for Posterior Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Antecedentes y objetivo: El vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno (VPPB) es la causa más frecuente de vértigo de origen laberíntico; su impacto social y en términos de cuidados de salud es notable. Recientemente se ha demostrado que es clínicamente posible realizar el tratamiento y su comprobación en la misma sesión, lo cual podría tener repercusión en los costes asistenciales directos e indirectos relacionados con la enfermedad. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar si el protocolo de tratamiento unisesión del VPPB CP unilateral tipo conductolitiasis es más eficiente que el protocolo de tratamiento convencional. Materiales y métodos: Estudio prospectivo controlado y aleatorizado en 53 pacientes consecutivos diagnosticados de un VPPB CP unilateral tipo conductolitiasis no tratados previamente; 26 pacientes fueron asignados al grupo unisesión y 27 al semanal clásico. Se compararon los costes medio y total de la asistencia, el tiempo de consulta y el impacto en términos de incapacidad temporal y pérdida de productividad para la empresa asociada a la visita médica del paciente. Resultados: Los costes medio y total de la asistencia así como la pérdida de productividad para una empresa asociada a la visita médica de los pacientes laboralmente activos fueron significativamente menores en el protocolo unisesión. También el tiempo de consulta cuando se consideró el tiempo de desplazamiento al centro. Conclusiones: El protocolo de tratamiento unisesión es rápido, efectivo y reduce los costes asistenciales directos e indirectos relacionados con la enfermedad justificando consultas de alta resolución. (AU)

Background and objective: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common vertigo of labyrinthine origin, its social and healthcare impact is remarkable. It has recently been shown that single session treatment is as safe and effective as weekly treatment, which could have impact on direct and indirect costs related to the disease. The objective of this study is to determine whether single session treatment of unilateral posterior canal BPPV canalolithiasis is more efficient than conventional treatment. Materials and methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was performed in 53 consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral posterior canal BPPV canalolithiasis previously untreated: 26 patients were assigned to single session treatment and 27 patients to weekly treatment. Average and total cost of care, consultation time and the impact in terms of temporary disability and loss of productivity for the company due to patients’ medical visits were compared. Results: Average and total cost of care and loss of productivity for the company due to patients’ medical visits were significantly lower in the single session group. Consultation time was also better in this group when travelling time was considered. Conclusions: The single session protocol is fast, effective and reduces direct and indirect cost of care related to disease justifying high resolution consultations. (AU)

Comparative analysis of the efficiency of two treatment protocols for posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. / Análisis comparativo de la eficiencia de dos protocolos de tratamiento del vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno del conducto semicircular posterior.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common vertigo of labyrinthine origin, its social and healthcare impact is remarkable. It has recently been shown that single session treatment is as safe and effective as weekly treatment, which could have impact on direct and indirect costs related to the disease. The objective of this study is to determine whether single session treatment of unilateral posterior canal BPPV canalolithiasis is more efficient than conventional treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was performed in 53 consecutive patients diagnosed with unilateral posterior canal BPPV canalolithiasis previously untreated: 26 patients were assigned to single session treatment and 27 patients to weekly treatment. Average and total cost of care, consultation time and the impact in terms of temporary disability and loss of productivity for the company due to patients' medical visits were compared. RESULTS: Average and total cost of care and loss of productivity for the company due to patients' medical visits were significantly lower in the single session group. Consultation time was also better in this group when travelling time was considered. CONCLUSIONS: The single session protocol is fast, effective and reduces direct and indirect cost of care related to disease justifying high resolution consultations.