The feasibility of using telemedicine for vestibular rehabilitation V1

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    A feasibility study testing the effectiveness of additional follow-ups delivered by Skype in Vestibular Rehabilitation.

  • IRAS ID

    202988

  • Contact name

    Kevin Munro

  • Contact email

    kevin.j.munro@manchester.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Manchester

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 6 months, 31 days

  • Research summary

    This study aims to see whether telemedicine approaches, namely using a video conference technique such as skype, is an effective addition to standard face to face follow up sessions for vestibular rehabilitation (VR).

    Looking into whether telemedicine is a good addition to the effectiveness of VR. We carry out VR with patients with balance conditions often in audiology, we want to see if using a telemedicine approach i.e. follow ups using skype will be feasible and beneficial for supporting patients through the regime. We want to see if it is as effective as clinic VR sessions alone, and also to improve access for patients who cannot leave work for a face to face appointment, or live far away.
    The study data will be collected over around 4 months, any patient eligiable for VR due to a unilateral weakness of one of their balance organs, and no other health conditions, will be offered to participant. These will be recruited following a balance assessment in our clinic, and then if they participate the experiemental group will have one face to face appointment, followed by 2 skype follow up sessions, before their standard face to face follow up appointment. This group will be compared with a control group who receive our standard care package only, which is identical bar the additional skype sessions.

  • REC name

    West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    16/WM/0390

  • Date of REC Opinion

    9 Sep 2016

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion