Integrated Management of Vertigo and Balance Disorders Across the Care Continuum: A Systems-Based Review
Abstract
Background: Vertigo and balance disorders are a major public health concern, especially among the elderly, leading to debilitating symptoms, falls, and substantial healthcare costs. Despite their prevalence, care remains fragmented across specialties including audiology, physiotherapy, primary care, and radiology, often resulting in delayed diagnosis, unnecessary imaging, and suboptimal rehabilitation. Aim: This narrative review aims to synthesize the evidence from 2010-2024 on integrated, system-based care pathways for the management of vertigo and balance disorders, evaluating their impact on diagnostic accuracy, resource utilization, and patient-centered outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases was conducted for peer-reviewed literature (2010-2024) addressing multidisciplinary models, standardized protocols, and health information systems in vestibular care. Results: Evidence strongly supports that coordinated care pathways—featuring structured triage protocols, timely access to vestibular diagnostics and rehabilitation, and selective use of neuroimaging—significantly reduce unnecessary CT/MRI scans, decrease healthcare costs, and improve functional recovery (e.g., Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores) and fall rates. Success hinges on interdisciplinary communication, clear referral algorithms, and the integration of decision-support tools within electronic health records. Conclusion: The implementation of system-based vestibular care pathways is effective and efficient. Future efforts must focus on widespread protocol adoption, enhanced health IT interoperability, and patient engagement strategies to translate evidence into practice across diverse care settings.
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References
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2024 Abdullah Abdulaziz Ibrahim Alghamdi, aad Faleh Ali Al Fadhil, Mohammed Ibrahim AlQasem, Waleed Saud Jeleudan, Shwroq Hamaad Saad Al-Marri, Saeed Badr Saeed Al Dleem, Bodor Hamdi Alharthi, Ahlam Jayiz Hammad Almutairi, Khalid Yousef Ali Alzahrani, Mohammed Khalid Alotibi, Manar Mustafa Muhandis, Nora Ali Yosef Alaqsam
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