Multidisciplinary group information for patients with tinnitus: an open trial

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a multidisciplinary group information as a part of a Stepped Care tinnitus management model. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were administered before and after the group information to evaluate the effects.

Method: In total, 627 patients participated in half-day tinnitus information meetings from 2004 to 2011 in our clinic. We retrieved 426 patients for analysis with complete scores on the THI, HADS, and a questionnaire covering background information. These three questionnaires were used before the information meeting, and the THI and HADS at a 1-month follow-up.

Results: Significant decreases were found in scores on the THI (p < .001) and the HADS-A (p < .05), pre- and post-information session. However, no significant changes were observed on the HADS-D.

Conclusion: An information meeting as a part of multidisciplinary Stepped Care model can be an effective initial approach to manage tinnitus, and serve as a filter for patients who need additional treatment.

Keywords:

• Tinnitus management
• stepped-care model
• tinnitus
• multidisciplinary
• information

Acknowledgements

We thank Karolina Rising and the tinnitus team at Linköping University Hospital including Mikael Schulin, Anna-Karin Strömberg, Mahnaz H Rudqvist, Marianne Karlsson, Elina Mäki-Torkko, and Ulrike Olofsson.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no relevant financial interest in this article. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Additional information

Funding

Financial support for this study was partly received from the County Council of Östergötland and from the Linneus Center Head grant.