A UK hospital based multidisciplinary balance clinic run by allied health professionals: first year results

Objective: To describe our experience of a new multidisciplinary balance clinic for the management of patients with vestibular disorders, run as a pilot project for 12 months. Design: Retrospective review of the outcomes of 194 patients. Subjects: All patients were first evaluated at the balance assessment clinic. Subsequently, each case was discussed at the multidisciplinary balance clinic weekly review meeting, and management decisions made. Results: The mean waiting time for the balance assessment clinic was 12 weeks (standard deviation six weeks). In total, 74 per cent of patients underwent rehabilitation, 26 per cent were seen in the balance specialist clinic, 15 per cent underwent additional testing, 6 per cent were followed up in adult otology clinics and one patient was listed for surgery. The waiting time for vestibular rehabilitation was reduced from 21 to 15 weeks. Patient satisfaction with the service was encouraging, and no adverse outcomes were recorded. Conclusion: This multidisciplinary balance clinic, run by allied health professionals, represents an alternative model for the management of patients with balance disorders.