Ilmari Pyykko1, Vinaya Manchaiah2,3,4,5, Erna Kentala6, Hilla Levo6, Martti Juhola7. 1. Hearing and Balance Research Unit, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Tampere, Finland. 2. Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Lamar University, Beaumont, TX. 3. Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Sweden. 4. Audiology India, Karnataka, Mysore. 5. Department of Speech and Hearing, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University, Karnataka, India. 6. Department of Otolaryngology, University of Helsinki, Finland. 7. School of Information Sciences, University of Tampere, Finland.
Abstract
PURPOSE: In this article, we present the details and the pilot outcome of an Internet-based self-help program for Ménière's disease (MD). METHOD: The Norton-Kaplan model is applied to construct a strategic, person-focused approach in the enablement process. The program assesses the disorder profile and diagnosis. In the therapeutic component of the program, the participant defines vision and time frame, inspects confounding factors, determines goals, establishes a strategy, and starts to work on the important problems caused by the disorder. The program works interactively, utilizes collaboration with significant others, and enhances positive thinking. Participants took part in an Internet-based self-help program. Data were collected interactively using open-ended and structured questionnaires on various disease-specific and general health aspects. The pilot outcome of 41 patients with MD was evaluated. RESULTS: The analysis of the pilot data showed statistically significant improvement in their general health-related quality of life (p < .001). Also, the outcome of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (Cann et al., 2010) showed small to moderate change as a result of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The Internet-based self-help program can be helpful in the rehabilitation of patients with MD to supplement medical therapy.
PURPOSE: In this article, we present the details and the pilot outcome of an Internet-based self-help program for Ménière's disease (MD). METHOD: The Norton-Kaplan model is applied to construct a strategic, person-focused approach in the enablement process. The program assesses the disorder profile and diagnosis. In the therapeutic component of the program, the participant defines vision and time frame, inspects confounding factors, determines goals, establishes a strategy, and starts to work on the important problems caused by the disorder. The program works interactively, utilizes collaboration with significant others, and enhances positive thinking. Participants took part in an Internet-based self-help program. Data were collected interactively using open-ended and structured questionnaires on various disease-specific and general health aspects. The pilot outcome of 41 patients with MD was evaluated. RESULTS: The analysis of the pilot data showed statistically significant improvement in their general health-related quality of life (p < .001). Also, the outcome of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (Cann et al., 2010) showed small to moderate change as a result of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The Internet-based self-help program can be helpful in the rehabilitation of patients with MD to supplement medical therapy.