Effectiveness of care in acute dizziness presentations

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate whether a management algorithm has improved the effectiveness of care for dizzy patients at Umeå University Hospital. METHODS: This was an interventional study using medical records to collect data for acute dizziness presentations before (period 1, 2012–2014) and after (period 2, 2016–2017) the implementation of a management algorithm. Outcomes were changes in a set of pre-defined effectiveness markers and health economic effects. RESULTS: Total n = 2126 and n = 1487 acute dizziness presentations were identified in period 1 and 2, respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar. The proportion of patients undergoing Dix–Hallpike testing increased, 20.8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 18.8–23.0%] vs. 37.7% (95% CI 35.2–40.2%), as did BPPV diagnoses, 7.6% (95% CI 6.6–8.8%) vs. 15.3% (95% CI 13.6–17.3%). Hospitalization became less common, 61.5% (95% CI 59.4–63.6%) vs. 47.6% (95% CI 45.1–50.2%). The proportion undergoing any neuroradiological investigation decreased, 44.8% (95% CI 42.7–47.0%) vs. 36.3% (95% CI 33.8–38.7%) with a shift from CT to MRI, with unchanged sensitivity for diagnosing cerebrovascular causes. The average cost for the care of one dizzy patient decreased from $2561 during period 1 to $1808 during period 2. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the implementation of a management algorithm for dizzy patients was associated with improved effectiveness of care.