{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Primary contact physiotherapy for patients with suggested vestibulopathy for an Australian ENT clinic: a retrospective cohort study.
{Author}: Mead C;Kuthubutheen J;van den Berg M;Petta A;
{Journal}: J Laryngol Otol
{Volume}: 138
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jun
{Factor}: 2.187
{DOI}: 10.1017/S0022215123002074
{Abstract}: OBJECTIVE: To examine the newly established role of a primary contact physiotherapist in an ENT clinic, in an Australian cohort and context, over two phases of development.
METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with data collected from a medical record audit. Over the study duration, the primary contact physiotherapist completed initial appointments with patients; follow-up appointments were subsequently conducted by medical staff.
RESULTS: There was a 46 per cent reduction in patients with suggested vestibulopathy requiring an ENT medical review. This reduction could hypothetically increase to 71 per cent with follow-up primary contact physiotherapist appointments. Improvements in the service delivery model and a primary contact physiotherapist arranging diagnostic assessments could improve waitlist times and facilitate better utilisation of medical staff time.
CONCLUSIONS: The primary contact physiotherapist can help in the management of patients with suspected vestibulopathy on an ENT waitlist. This is achieved through: a reduction of patients requiring ENT review, improvements to waitlist time and improved utilisation of medical specialists' time.