@article{MuellerStroblJahnetal.2014, author = {M{\"u}ller, Martin and Strobl, R. and Jahn, K. and Linkohr, B. and Peters, A. and Grill, E.}, title = {Burden of disability attributable to vertigo and dizziness in the aged: results from the KORA-Age study}, series = {European journal of public health}, journal = {European journal of public health}, editor = {Oxford Academic,}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background: Complaints of vertigo and dizziness are common in primary care in the aged. They can be caused by distinct vestibular disorders, but can also be a symptom in other conditions like non-vestibular sensory loss, vascular encephalopathy or anxiety. The aim of this study was to investigate the specific contribution of vertigo and dizziness to the total burden of disability in aged persons when controlling for the presence of other health conditions. Methods: Data originate from the MONICA/KORA study, a population-based cohort. Survivors of the original cohorts who were 65 years and older were examined by telephone interview in 2009. Disability was assessed with the Health Assessment Questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders and additive regression to estimate the contribution of vertigo and dizziness to disability prevalence. Results: Adjusted for age, sex and other chronic conditions, vertigo and dizziness were associated with disability (odds ratio 1.66, 95\% confidence intervals 1.40-1.98). In both men and women between 65 and 79 years, vertigo and dizziness were among the strongest contributors to the burden of disability with a prevalence of 10.5\% (6.6 to 15.1) in men and 9.0\% (5.7 to 13.0) in women. In men, this effect is stable across all age-groups, whereas it decreases with age in women. Conclusions: Vertigo and dizziness independently and relevantly contribute to population-attributable disability in the aged. They are not inevitable consequences of ageing but arise from distinct disease entities. Careful management of vertigo and dizziness might increase population health and reduce disability.}, language = {en} } @article{RegauerSecklerGrilletal.2021, author = {Regauer, Verena and Seckler, Eva and Grill, Eva and Ippisch, Richard and Jahn, Klaus and Bauer, Petra and M{\"u}ller, Martin}, title = {Development of a complex intervention to improve mobility and participation of older people with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders in primary care: a mixed methods study}, series = {BMC Family Practice}, volume = {22}, journal = {BMC Family Practice}, pages = {89}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background Vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders (VDB) are common in older people and cause restrictions in mobility and social participation. Due to a multifactorial aetiology, health care is often overutilised, but many patients are also treated insufficiently in primary care. The purpose of this study was to develop a care pathway as a complex intervention to improve mobility and participation in older people with VDB in primary care. Methods The development process followed the UK Medical Research Council guidance using a mixed-methods design with individual and group interviews carried out with patients, physical therapists (PTs), general practitioners (GPs), nurses working in community care and a multi-professional expert panel to create a first draft of a care pathway (CPW) and implementation strategy using the Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research and the Expert recommendations for Implementing Change. Subsequently, small expert group modelling of specific components of the CPW was carried out, with GPs, medical specialists and PTs. The Behaviour Change Wheel was applied to design the intervention´s approach to behaviour change. To derive theoretical assumptions, we adopted Kellogg´s Logic Model to consolidate the hypothesized chain of causes leading to patient-relevant outcomes. Results Individual interviews with patients showed that VDB symptoms need to be taken more seriously by GPs. Patients demanded age-specific treatment offers, group sessions or a continuous mentoring by a PT. GPs required a specific guideline for diagnostics and treatment options including psychosocial interventions. Specific assignment to and a standardized approach during physical therapy were desired by PTs. Nurses favoured a multi-professional documentation system. The structured three-day expert workshop resulted in a first draft of CPW and potential implementation strategies. Subsequent modelling resulted in a CPW with components and appropriate training materials for involved health professionals. A specific implementation strategy is now available. Conclusion A mixed-methods design was suggested to be a suitable approach to develop a complex intervention and its implementation strategy. We will subsequently test the intervention for its acceptability and feasibility in a feasibility study accompanied by a comprehensive process evaluation to inform a subsequent effectiveness trial. Trial Registration The research project is registered in "Projektdatenbank Versorgungsforschung Deutschland" (Project-ID: VfD_MobilE-PHY_17_003910; date of registration: 30.11.2017).}, language = {en} } @article{HorstmannshoffSkudlikPetermannetal.2023, author = {Horstmannshoff, Caren and Skudlik, Stefanie and Petermann, Jenny and Kiesel, Theresia and D{\"o}ringer, Tobias and Crispin, Alexander and Hermsd{\"o}rfer, Joachim and K{\"o}berlein‑Neu, Juliane and Jahn, Klaus and Sch{\"a}dler, Stefan and Bauer, Petra and Voigt, Karen and M{\"u}ller, Martin}, title = {Effectiveness of an evidence-based care pathway to improve mobility and participation in older patients with vertigo and balance disorders in primary care (MobilE-PHY2): study protocol for a multicentre cluster-randomised controlled trial}, series = {BMC Trials}, volume = {24}, journal = {BMC Trials}, pages = {91}, year = {2023}, abstract = {Background Vertigo, dizziness or balance disorders (VDB) are common leading symptoms in older people, which can have a negative impact on their mobility and participation in daily live, yet, diagnosis is challenging and specific treatment is often insufficient. An evidence-based, multidisciplinary care pathway (CPW) in primary care was developed and pilot tested in a previous study. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the CPW in terms of improving mobility and participation in community-dwelling older people with VDB in primary care. Methods For this multicentre cluster randomised controlled clinic trial, general practitioners (GP) will be recruited in two regions of Germany. A total of 120 patients over 60 years old with VDB will be included. The intervention is an algorithmized CPW. GPs receive a checklist for standardise clinical decision making regarding diagnostic screening and treatment of VDB. Physiotherapists (PT) receive a decision tree for evidence-based physiotherapeutic clinical reasoning and treatment of VDB. Implementation strategies comprises educational trainings as well as a workshop to give a platform for exchange for the GPs and PTs, an information meeting and a pocket card for home care nurses and informal caregivers and telephone peer counselling to give all participants the capability, opportunity and the motivation to apply the intervention. In order to ensure an optimised usual care in the control group, GPs get an information meeting addressing the national guideline. The primary outcome is the impact of VDB on participation and mobility of patients after 6 month follow-up, assessed using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes are physical activity, static and dynamic balance, falls and fear of falling as well as quality of life. We will also evaluate safety and health economic aspects of the intervention. Behavioural changes of the participants as well as barriers, facilitating factors and mechanisms of impact of the implementation will be investigated with a comprehensive process evaluation in a mixed-methods design. Discussion With our results, we aim to improve evidence-based health care of community-dwelling older people with VDB in primary care.}, language = {en} } @article{GrillStruppMuelleretal.2014, author = {Grill, E. and Strupp, M. and M{\"u}ller, Martin and Jahn, K.}, title = {Health services utilization of patients with vertigo in primary care: a retrospective cohort study}, series = {Journal of neurology}, journal = {Journal of neurology}, editor = {Springer Link,}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Vertigo and dizziness count among the most frequent symptoms in outpatient practices. Although most vestibular disorders are manageable, they are often under- and misdiagnosed in primary care. This may result in prolonged absence from work, increased resource use and, potentially, in chronification. Reliable information on health services utilization of patients with vertigo in primary care is scarce. Retrospective cohort study in patients referred to a tertiary care balance clinic. Included patients had a confirmed diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meni{\`e}re's disease (MD), vestibular paroxysmia (VP), bilateral vestibulopathy (BVP), vestibular migraine (VM), or psychogenic vertigo (PSY). All previous diagnostic and therapeutic measures prior to the first visit to the clinic were recorded. 2,374 patients were included (19.7 \% BPPV, 12.7 \% MD, 5.8 \% VP, 7.2 \% BVP, 14.1 \% VM, 40.6 \% PSY), 61.3 \% with more than two consultations. Most frequent diagnostic measures were magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, 76.2 \%, 71 \% in BPPV) and electrocardiography (53.5 \%). Most frequent therapies were medication (61.0 \%) and physical therapy (41.3 \%). 37.3 \% had received homoeopathic medication (39 \% in BPPV), and 25.9 \% were treated with betahistine (20 \% in BPPV). Patients had undergone on average 3.2 (median 3.0, maximum 6) diagnostic measures, had received 1.8 (median 2.0, maximum 8) therapies and 1.8 (median 1.0, maximum 17) different drugs. Diagnostic subgroups differed significantly regarding number of diagnostic measures, therapies and drugs. The results emphasize the need for establishing systematic training to improve oto-neurological skills in primary care services not specialized on the treatment of dizzy patients.}, language = {en} } @article{Mueller2012, author = {M{\"u}ller, Martin}, title = {Identification of aspects of functioning, disability and health relevant to patients experiencing vertigo: a qualitative study using the international classification of functioning, disability and health}, series = {Health and quality of life outcomes}, journal = {Health and quality of life outcomes}, editor = {Academic onFile,}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Background Vertigo and dizziness are among the most common health problems in medical practice [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Vertigo and dizziness include both consequences of disease as well as definable disease entities such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Meniere?s disease, or vestibular migraine. Irrespective of the various causes and underlying health conditions, vertigo and dizziness have significant impact on functioning and overall quality of life of the affected individuals To give some examples, the most common peripheral-vestibular disorder benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo - which is also the most frequent type of vestibular disorder - causes brief rotatory vertigo attacks, mainly triggered by rapid head movements, e.g. when turning around in the bed or lacing shoes. Central-peripheral disorders, which may be caused by brain ischemia, multiple sclerosis, or other permanent or transient brain lesions, can make vertigo attacks lasting from minutes to even weeks [6]. In addition, vertigo and dizziness are a considerable burden to economy and health care [4, 7, 8]. Precondition of effective management and treatment of potentially disabling conditions like vertigo is - besides careful diagnosis of the underlying condition -the assessment of outcomes which are relevant to the patient. This is not only important to monitor treatment effects but also to set goals and to plan therapy [6]. As summarized by Morris et al. [9] outcome measures in vertigo vary by the entities they are addressing, such as subjective experience of disability or signs and symptoms. Most of them reflect either the patients? or health professionals? experience. As an example, the frequently used Dizziness Handicap Inventory [10] addresses the patients? experience of the consequences of vertigo on daily living. Most outcome measures are developed and validated on the basis of empirical findings or professional experience [11]. However, none of them refer to a common theoretical framework. A theoretical framework is fundamental for defining an Outcome measurement and helps to ensure that the whole potential spectrum of issues is reflected [12]. In addition to the lack of theoretical foundation there is still no agreement on standards used to measure outcomes in patients with vertigo. This is illustrated by a recently published Cochrane Review in the field of vestibular rehabilitation which noted 15 different outcome measures of patients? complaints in 21 studies [13]. To address both these issues, the Integrated Center for Research and Treatment of Vertigo, Balance and Ocular Motor Disorders ( IFB LMU ) at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit{\"a}t in Munich set up a project that aims to develop an international standard for the description of functioning and disability in patients with vertigo and dizziness based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). With the ICF, which is part of the family of international classifications of the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is a common theoretical framework for describing and measuring health and disability. The ICF models the individuals' functioning and health as a complex interaction between a health condition.}, language = {en} } @article{SecklerRegauerKruegeretal.2021, author = {Seckler, Eva and Regauer, Verena and Kr{\"u}ger, Melanie and Gabriel, Anna and Hermsd{\"o}rfer, Joachim and Niemietz, Carolin and Bauer, Petra and M{\"u}ller, Martin}, title = {Improving mobility and participation of older people with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders in primary care using a care pathway: feasibility study and process evaluation}, series = {BMC Family Practice}, volume = {22}, journal = {BMC Family Practice}, pages = {62}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background Community-dwelling older people are frequently affected by vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders (VDB). We previously developed a care pathway (CPW) to improve their mobility and participation by offering standardized approaches for general practitioners (GPs) and physical therapists (PTs). We aimed to assess the feasibility of the intervention, its implementation strategy and the study procedures in preparation for the subsequent main trial. Methods This 12-week prospective cohort feasibility study was accompanied by a process evaluation designed according to the UK Medical Research Council's Guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions. Patients with VDB (≥65 years), GPs and PTs in primary care were included. The intervention consisted of a diagnostic screening checklist for GPs and a guide for PTs. The implementation strategy included specific educational trainings and a telephone helpline. Data for mixed-method process evaluation were collected via standardized questionnaires, field notes and qualitative interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, qualitative data using content analysis. Results A total of five GP practices (seven single GPs), 10 PT practices and 22 patients were included in the study. The recruitment of GPs and patients was challenging (response rates: GP practices: 28\%, PT practices: 39\%). Ninety-one percent of the patients and all health professionals completed the study. The health professionals responded well to the educational trainings; the utilization of the telephone helpline was low (one call each from GPs and PTs). Familiarisation with the routine of application of the intervention and positive attitudes were emphasized as facilitators of the implementation of the intervention, whereas a lack of time was mentioned as a barrier. Despite difficulties in the GPs' adherence to the intervention protocol, the GPs, PTs and patients saw benefit in the intervention. The patients' treatment adherence to physical therapy was good. There were minor issues in data collection, but no unintended consequences. Conclusion Although the process evaluation provided good support for the feasibility of study procedures, the intervention and its implementation strategy, we identified a need for improvement in recruitment of participants, the GP intervention part and the data collection procedures. The findings will inform the main trial to test the interventions effectiveness in a cluster RCT. Trial registration Projektdatenbank Versorgungsforschung Deutschland (German registry Health Services Research) VfD_MobilE-PHY_17_003910, date of registration: 30.11.2017; Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (German Clinical Trials Register) DRKS00022918, date of registration: 03.09.2020 (retrospectively registered).}, language = {en} } @article{GrillBronsteinFurmanetal.2012, author = {Grill, E. and Bronstein, A. and Furman, J. and Zee, D.S. and M{\"u}ller, Martin}, title = {International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for patients with vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders}, series = {Journal of vestibular research}, journal = {Journal of vestibular research}, editor = {B{\´a}r{\´a}ny Society,}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders have major impact on independence, employability, activities and participation. There are many measures for the assessment of the impact of vertigo, but no consensus exists on which aspects should be measured. The objective of this study was to develop international standards (ICF Core Sets) for patients with vertigo and dizziness to describe functioning. The development of the ICF Core Sets involved a formal decision-making and consensus process, integrating evidence from preparatory studies including qualitative interviews with patients, a systematic review of the literature, a survey with health professionals, and empirical data collection from patients. Twenty-seven experts selected 100 second level categories for the comprehensive Core Set and 29 second level categories for the Brief Core Set. The largest number of categories was selected from the ICF component Activities and Participation (40). Twenty-five categories were selected from the component Body Functions, six from Body Structures, and 29 from Environmental Factors. The ICF Core Set for vertigo is designed for physicians, nurses, therapists and other health professionals working in inpatient or ambulatory settings. ICF Core Sets create patient-relevant outcomes that can be used as evidence for the success of treatments.}, language = {en} } @article{KirschBergmannKolleretal.2018, author = {Kirsch, R. and Bergmann, A. and Koller, D. and Leidl, R. and Mansmann, U. and M{\"u}ller, Martin and Sanftenberg, L. and Schelling, J. and Sundmacher, L. and Voigt, Karen and Grill, E.}, title = {Patient trajectories and their impact on mobility, social participation and quality of life in patients with vertigo/dizziness/balance disorders and osteoarthritis (MobilE-TRA): study protocol of an observational, practice-based cohort study}, series = {BMJ Open}, volume = {8}, journal = {BMJ Open}, number = {4}, pages = {e022970}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Introduction Mobility limitations have a multitude of different negative consequences on elderly patients including decreasing opportunities for social participation, increasing the risk for morbidity and mortality. However, current healthcare has several shortcomings regarding mobility sustainment of older adults, namely a narrow focus on the underlying pathology, fragmentation of care across services and health professions and deficiencies in personalising care based on patients' needs and experiences. A tailored healthcare strategy targeted at mobility of older adults is still missing. Objective The objective is to develop multiprofessional care pathways targeted at mobility sustainment and social participation in patients with vertigo/dizziness/balance disorders (VDB) and osteoarthritis (OA) . Methods Data regarding quality of life, mobility limitation, pain, stiffness and physical function is collected in a longitudinal observational study between 2017 and 2019. General practitioners (GPs) recruit their patients with VDB or OA. Patients who visited their GP in the last quarter will be identified in the practice software based on VDB and OA-related International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision. Study material will be sent from the practice to patients by mail. Six months and 12 months after baseline, all patients will receive a mail directly from the study team containing the follow-up questionnaire. GPs fill out questionnaires regarding patient diagnostics, therapy and referrals. Ethics and dissemination The study was approved by the ethical committee of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universit{\"a}t M{\"u}nchen and of the Technische Universit{\"a}t Dresden. Results will be published in scientific, peer-reviewed journals and at national and international conferences. Results will be disseminated via newsletters, the project website and a regional conference for representatives of local and national authorities.}, language = {en} } @article{MuellerWhitneyAlghwirietal.2015, author = {M{\"u}ller, Martin and Whitney, S. L. and Alghwiri, A. and Alshebber, K. and Strobl, R. and Aghadir, A. and Almomani, M. O. and Furman, J. M. and Grill, E.}, title = {Subscales of the vestibular activities and participation questionnaire could be applied across cultures}, series = {European journal of epidemiology}, journal = {European journal of epidemiology}, editor = {PlumX Metrics,}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the objectivity, cross-cultural validity, and convergent validity of the Vestibular Activities and Participation (VAP) questionnaire among four countries, Germany, United States, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Study Design and Setting This was a cross-sectional study conducted in four specialized outpatient dizziness clinics in Germany, United States, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Results A total of 453 participants were included in the study. The Rasch analysis revealed two separate subscales. Subscale 1 items included focusing attention, lying down, standing, bending, lifting and carrying objects, and sports. Subscale 2 items included walking long distances, climbing, running, moving around within buildings other than home, using transportation, and driving. The Pearson product-moment correlation between the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and the summary score of the VAP subscale 1 was 0.66 and was 0.64 for subscale 2. Conclusion Owing to its shortness and intercultural adaptability, the new two-scale version of the VAP questionnaire lends itself to clinical practice and research across countries to estimate the effect of vertigo and dizziness on activity limitation and participation restrictions. Psychometrically sound summary scores can be calculated. More extended versions of the VAP can be used for comprehensive clinical assessment where summary scores are not needed or a more detailed documentation is warranted.}, language = {en} } @article{GrillFurmanAlghwirietal.2013, author = {Grill, E. and Furman, J.M. and Alghwiri, A.A. and M{\"u}ller, Martin and Whitney, S.L.}, title = {Using core sets of the international classification of functioning, disability and health (ICF) to measure disability in vestibular disorders: study protocol}, series = {Journal of vestibular research}, journal = {Journal of vestibular research}, number = {23(6)}, editor = {B{\´a}r{\´a}ny Society,}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Symptom frequency and severity in vestibular disorders often do not correlate well with patients' restrictions of activities of daily living and limitations of participation. Due to the lack of appropriate patient reported outcome measures (PRO), the extent of limitations and restrictions is mostly unknown. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is a conceptual framework and classification to evaluate all aspects of health and disability. An ICF-based measure, the Vestibular and Participation Measure (VAP), was recently proposed. Also, an ICF Core Set for vertigo, dizziness and balance disorders was developed to describe what aspects of functioning should be measured. This study protocol describes the development and cross-cultural validation of a new measure, the VAP-extended (VAP-e), based on VAP and ICF Core Set on three continents. To determine objectivity and cross-cultural validity of the VAP and to find potentially redundant items, Rasch models will be used. The VAP-e will be created by modifying or adding items from the Activities and Participation and Environmental Factors component of the ICF Core Set. Reliability, objectivity and responsiveness of the VAP-e will be tested.}, language = {en} }