title: Understanding patient experiences of self-managing chronic dizziness: a qualitative study of booklet-based vestibular rehabilitation, with or without remote support.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study explores participants' experience of self-management of dizziness using booklet-based vestibular rehabilitation (VR), with or without expert telephone support.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were recruited from primary care practices as part of a large RCT.
  
  
  METHODS
  Interviews were carried out with 33 people (10 men and 23 women; age 27-84) self-managing chronic dizziness using booklet-based vestibular rehabilitation, with or without expert telephone support.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The majority of participants in both groups reported a positive experience of VR therapy, with many participants reporting an improvement in their dizziness symptoms since undertaking the therapy. Participants in the telephone support group felt that a genuine relationship developed between them and their therapist within three short sessions, and described their therapy sessions as reassuring, encouraging and motivational.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The VR treatment booklet appears to be a valued tool for self-managing chronic dizziness and people appreciate receiving remote telephone support.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  NCT00732797.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Muller
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kirby
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
authors.forename: Lucy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yardley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004244:Dizziness / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010174:Pamphlets; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D013689:Telephone
keywords: PRIMARY CARE; QUALITATIVE RESEARCH