Understanding patient experiences of self-managing chronic dizziness: a qualitative study of booklet-based vestibular rehabilitation, with or without remote support

OBJECTIVE: This study explores participants’ experience of self-management of dizziness using booklet-based vestibular rehabilitation (VR), with or without expert telephone support. DESIGN: Semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted. SETTING: Participants were recruited from primary care practices as part of a large RCT. PARTICIPANTS: Interviews were carried out with 33 people (10 men and 23 women; age 27–84) self-managing chronic dizziness using booklet-based vestibular rehabilitation, with or without expert telephone support. RESULTS: Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The majority of participants in both groups reported a positive experience of VR therapy, with many participants reporting an improvement in their dizziness symptoms since undertaking the therapy. Participants in the telephone support group felt that a genuine relationship developed between them and their therapist within three short sessions, and described their therapy sessions as reassuring, encouraging and motivational. CONCLUSIONS: The VR treatment booklet appears to be a valued tool for self-managing chronic dizziness and people appreciate receiving remote telephone support. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00732797.