Journal
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
Volume 40, Issue 7, Pages 829-835Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2016.1277393
Keywords
Anxiety; physiotherapy; professional development; vestibular rehabilitation; vestibular disorders
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Funding
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Masters of Clinical Research Studentship
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Purpose: People with vestibular disorders are typically treated by physiotherapists in vestibular rehabilitation. Anxiety is strongly associated with vestibular disorders; however, there is a lack of understanding about how physiotherapists respond to people presenting with anxiety within vestibular rehabilitation. This study aimed to explore physiotherapists' current practice in assessing and treating patients with anxiety in vestibular rehabilitation. Materials and methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 10 specialist physiotherapists in vestibular rehabilitation in three university teaching hospitals in England. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified: (i) The therapeutic relationship, (ii) Adapting assessment and treatment, (iii) Psychological intervention and support, and (iv) Physiotherapists' education and training. Physiotherapists reported using a range of behavioral and cognitive techniques and adapting their therapeutic approach by placing greater emphasis on education, building trust and pacing treatment. Physiotherapists highlighted the need for more specialist psychological support for patients during vestibular rehabilitation and tailored training and guidance on addressing anxiety within vestibular rehabilitation. Conclusions: Physiotherapists working in vestibular rehabilitation consider managing aspects of anxiety within their scope of practice and describe taking a psychosocial therapeutic approach. There is limited access to expert psychological support for patients with anxiety within vestibular rehabilitation.
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