Medical record prompts improve the frequency and documentation of dizziness and driving conversations in the ENT balance clinic

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDriving capacity is affected by vestibular disorders and the medications used to treat them. Driving is not considered during medical consultations, with 92 per cent of patients attending a centre for dizziness not discussing it with the doctor.ObjectiveTo investigate if medical record prompts facilitate dizziness and driving conversations in ENT balance clinics.MethodsA questionnaire was designed to reflect the current standards of practice and advice given regarding driving and dizziness during balance clinic consultations.ResultsMedical record prompts facilitated the improved frequency and recording of shared decision-making conversations about driving and dizziness in 98 per cent of consultations.ConclusionThis study highlights the benefits of medical record prompts for documented and accurate shared decision-making conversations surrounding dizziness, vertigo, vestibular conditions and driving. This potentially improves safety for all road users, and protects the patient and clinician in the event of road traffic accidents and medico-legal investigations.