InterProfessional Education Research and Scholarship
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Document Type
Presentation
Publication Date
7-12-2024
Abstract
Dizziness is a non-specific term used to describe various sensations of spinning, disequilibrium, imbalance, or near-syncope. The differential diagnosis for this symptom is rather extensive and includes potentially dangerous etiologies, which contributes to the significance of diagnostic evaluation. Dizziness is a frequent concern prompting pregnant patients to seek medical care, and the hemodynamic changes that occur in pregnancy further complicate clinical assessment in obstetric (OB) triage. While often familiar with dizziness as a symptom of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, many OB triage providers experience uncertainty in working up other causes of dizziness. Root causes for uncertainty and the potential for adverse outcomes at University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) OB Triage were examined and found to include the lack of a centralized workflow. To address the complexities of evaluating dizziness in pregnant patients, we propose a revised workflow using a formalized decision tree. This clinical tool integrates current diagnostic recommendations with special consideration for pregnant populations, highlights when to consult specialists, and is adjusted for specific hospital policies at UNMH. This initiative aims to enhance interprofessional collaboration by streamlining the initial history-taking, laboratory investigation, and management responsibilities shared among the OB Triage care team. Overall, this project introduces a proactive interprofessional approach to the diagnostic evaluation of dizziness, aiming to prevent adverse health outcomes in pregnant patients at UNMH OB Triage.
Recommended Citation
Lowe, Annslee J. and Anna Shields. "Diagnostic Evaluation of Dizziness in Obstetric Triage." (2024). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/hsc_ipe_posters/22
Comments
Presented at IPE Day 2024