Dysautonomia is a term used to describe dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates automatic bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. People experiencing dysautonomia may experience symptoms including dizziness, fatigue, exercise intolerance, rapid heart rate, headaches, brain fog, and symptoms that worsen when standing.
Despite growing recognition of dysautonomia, many healthcare professionals face challenges in recognising, assessing, and supporting people experiencing these signs and symptoms. This study seeks to better understand the experiences of healthcare professionals working in this area and identify opportunities to improve education, professional development, and healthcare services.
Are you a healthcare professional who supports people with dysautonomia?
We are inviting healthcare professionals to participate in a research study exploring experiences of supporting people with dysautonomia signs and symptoms, such as dizziness on standing, fatigue, exercise intolerance, rapid heart rate, brain fog, and headaches.
The aim of this study is to better understand healthcare professionals' experiences, challenges, knowledge needs, and perspectives on current services and supports for people with dysautonomia. Findings may help inform future education, professional development, and healthcare services.
Who can participate in this study?
You may be eligible to participate if:
- You are a registered healthcare professional in Aotearoa New Zealand
- You have at least six months of current or recent experience supporting people with dysautonomia signs and symptoms such as dizziness on standing, fatigue, exercise intolerance, rapid heart rate, brain fog, headaches, or related symptoms
Read the participant information sheet and check your eligibility:
If you are interested in this study, you will be asked to complete
- A short online screening questionnaire to determine your eligibility
- Read the participant information sheet and complete an online consent form
- Provide your contact details so an interview can be arranged
If eligible, what will I be asked to do?
- You will be invited to take part in a one Zoom interview with members of the research team
- The interview will be audio-recorded to assist with transcription and analysis
- You will be asked about your experiences supporting people with dysautonomia, including challenges encountered, knowledge and skills used in practice, and opportunities to improve care and support
- You may request a summary of the study findings when the project has been completed
There is no payment or reimbursement for participation in this study. Participants will be offered a summary of the study findings at the conclusion of the project.
Contact
Study lead: Dr Gerard Farrell, School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago
Tel +64 3 479 7460
Email gerard.farrell@otago.ac.nz
More information about Dr Farrell's programme of work
Investigators
- Dr Gerard Farrell is a physiotherapist, clinician, and lecturer in the School of Physiotherapy at the University of Otago. He has experience working with people experiencing dysautonomia, has established a dedicated dysautonomia service
- Donna Keen is an experienced social researcher with more than 25 years of research experience. She has particular expertise in qualitative research and exploring people's experiences within healthcare settings
- Associate Professor Cathy Chapple is a physiotherapist and researcher with more than 20 years of experience in the public health system. She is the current dean of the School of Physiotherapy. Her research focuses on chronic health conditions, patient experiences, and qualitative health research
Ethics number
University of Otago Human Ethics Committee (Health) Ethics Number: 26/0461