■慢性前庭功能减退患者通常会出现头晕,不平衡和视觉模糊(视力模糊);对日常生活构成挑战的症状。目前,关于如何应对此类挑战的建议主要由卫生保健专业人员提供(即,耳鼻喉科外科医生,神经学家,物理治疗师和心理学家)。然而,患有类似疾病并对生活经历有真正欣赏的患者,也可能提供有价值的支持和建议。本研究的目的,因此,是收集慢性前庭功能减退患者的提示和建议。
■一项探索性调查旨在收集其他慢性前庭功能减退患者如何应对日常生活中与疾病相关的挑战的提示。该调查已在线和亲自分发。提示列表进行了主题和演绎的编码和分析,通过使用国际功能分类,残疾,和健康(ICF)模型。
■总共,从179名参与者中获得了425个提示。大多数提示都在“环境因素”(46%)和“活动和参与”(39%)下进行编码。其余提示被归类为“身体功能”(15%)。没有关于“身体结构”的提示。“参与者通过投资辅助产品和技术来应对他们的日常斗争,比如改装自行车,特殊鞋类,步行框架。他们描述了确保最低光强度对能见度的重要性(即,在黑暗的地方安装光源)。活动期间,参与者提出了避免颠簸道路和障碍物的建议,并强调了充分的视觉固定以保持平衡的必要性。为了确保最佳活动,与会者强调了管理能源和充分休息的重要性。
这项研究深入了解了慢性前庭功能减退患者如何应对因症状引起的日常斗争。这些提示可以扩展医疗保健专业人员提供的建议。知道其他患者经历过类似的斗争,并学会以适当的方式处理他们的斗争,可能会提供支持,并帮助患者专注于可能性,而不是残疾。进一步的研究应调查共享提示的效果,以了解慢性前庭功能减退患者是否可以改善(心理)健康。
UNASSIGNED: Patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction typically suffer from dizziness, imbalance and oscillopsia (blurred vision); symptoms that pose challenges to everyday life. Currently, advice on how to deal with such challenges is mainly provided by health care professionals (i.e., ENT-surgeons, neurologists, physiotherapists and psychologists). However, fellow patients with a similar condition and a true appreciation of the lived experiences, are likely to provide valuable support and advice as well. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to collect tips and advice from patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction.
UNASSIGNED: An exploratory survey was designed to collect tips from fellow chronic vestibular hypofunction patients on how to cope with disease-related challenges in everyday life. The survey was distributed both online and in person. The list of tips was coded and analyzed thematically and deductively, by using the international classification of functioning, disability, and health (ICF) model.
UNASSIGNED: In total, 425 tips were obtained from the 179 participants. Most tips were coded under \"environmental factors\" (46%) and \"activities and participation\" (39%). The remaining tips were categorized as \"body functions\" (15%). No tips were about \"body structures.\" The participants coped with their daily struggles by investing in assistive products and technology, like adapted bikes, special footwear, walking frames. They described the importance of ensuring minimal light intensity for visibility (i.e., installing light sources in dark places). During activities, participants gave the advice to avoid bumpy roads and obstacles, and highlighted the necessity of adequate visual fixation to maintain balance. To ensure optimal activity, participants emphasized the importance of managing energy and taking sufficient rest.
UNASSIGNED: This study gives insight into how patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction cope with everyday struggles due to their symptoms. These tips can expand advice given by healthcare professionals. Knowing that fellow patients experience similar struggles and learned to deal with their struggles in adequate ways, might offer support and help patients focus on possibilities rather than on disabilities. Further research should investigate the effect of sharing tips to see whether improvement in (mental) health can be achieved in patients with chronic vestibular hypofunction.