Does use of technological adavanaces in health care improves adherance
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Research Question: Does the use of new technology improve patient adherence in vestibular rehabilitation programme?
IRAS ID
228685
Contact name
Narinder Sharma
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Virgin care NHS
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 2 days
Research summary
The proposed study is Comparison of amount of VOR (Vestibulo Ocular Reflex) Training achieved (compliance) by Balance hypofunction patients who either utilize new Smartphone technology to give motivational feedback, or who undergo usual generic vestibular therapy. The proposed study is about adherence to vestibular rehabilitation programme. Research question is does use of technological advances in rehab programme improves adherence?
Null hypothesis: Patients who utilize new Smartphone technology to gain motivational feedback, will be no better on VOR Training achieved (compliance) than the generic vestibular therapy patients.
Introduction:
Vestibular hypofunction patients will be allocated to one of two groups A SUG (Smart Phone user Group and Group B Generic (GEN) : Group A will receive new smartphone technology designed to provide motivational feedback (Smartphone User Group - SUG). Group B will receive generic vestibular therapy only (GEN). The two groups will be assessed for Postural Sway before and after a 6 week intervention involving either, Smartphone and balance platform use (SUG) or, generic therapy (GEN). They will also be asked to monitor their compliance with the intervention by using a compliance recording sheet. This compliance recording will allow derivation of VOR training compliance score. This score will be the main outcome measure by which achievement of the study aims will be assessed.Recruitment of Patients:
Patients with vestibular, falls and balance system hypofunction will be recruited from the ‘falls and balance clinic’ referrals, by the ENT consultant and other sources of referrals like GP practices, internal referrals etc. The inclusion criteria will be that the patient should be 18 years of age, be able to stand upright without the use of an aid and be able to walk functionally unaided or with just a stick. Patients with musculoskeletal conditions such as knee or hip arthritis, unstable cardiovascular and metabolic conditions will be excluded.Study design
Quantitative
Group comparison (with matching).
Comparison of VOR training score between groups A -who utilize the new smartphone technology and group B- who receive generic therapy.REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
17/WA/0197
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jun 2017
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion