We strongly encourage hearing care professionals to explore how the Ida tools and methods can be applied in new, innovative ways in the clinical setting. Ida Fellow Fiona Barker has done just that. As a Clinical Scientist at Windsor Audiology Centre in England, she uses the Ida Motivation Tools with patients with vestibular disorders to explore their motivation to start and complete a rehabilitation program.
Exploring patient motivation is an essential part of the process when working with vestibular patients, according to Fiona, as rehabilitation can entail many unpleasant side effects.
“When an individual suffers from a vestibular disorder, they are prone to spells that can include nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Some cannot get out of bed, and it is frightening, as many think they could be going through a stroke,” states Fiona. “The first part of the recovery process is called ‘static recovery’, where the patient just needs to be still. The second stage, the ongoing ‘dynamic recovery’, requires the patient to make head movements. Unfortunately, moving one’s head can also provoke the same symptoms that were experienced during the spell. If they avoid head movements, in fear of the potential side-effects, it can actually prolong the recovery stage.”
Before Fiona Barker refers vestibular patients to another specialist for rehabilitation, she finds it essential to address any ambivalence or concerns the patient may have about the decision by using the Motivation Tools. When using the Line, Fiona finds it common for vestibular patients to state that they are very motivated to improve their situation, but that they are less sure about their ability to follow-through with the rehabilitation and the unpleasant side-effects. With the Line, one can remind the patient about their motivation to take action, and use that as a powerful, constructive force to deal with their fears and anxiety.
“It is easy to use the Line and the Box with vestibular patients. You want to know how strong their motivation is for going through with the rehabilitation process, which could be unpleasant and frightening for many patients”, according to Fiona. “In terms of active therapy, the Line is helpful during this stage because it lets you gauge how confident the patient feels about conducting their exercises. It can help you determine how much support and hand-holding they will need to successfully complete the therapy. If their confidence is low, you can start them off with an easier exercise.”
Fiona Barker attended the Ida Institute seminar series on Living Well with Hearing Loss in 2011. She is a registered clinical scientist specializing in balance and dizziness at Windsor Audiology Centre in the United Kingdom. In addition, Fiona is currently working towards a PhD at the University of Surrey, focusing on self-management support and patient-centered care in the context of adult auditory rehabilitation. We plan to highlight Fiona’s ongoing research in a future news article on the Ida website.
If you have integrated the Ida tools and methods into your clinical practice in an innovative way, we would like to spotlight your story on the Ida website. Please contact Web Content Editor Tim Cooke for more info.