Does a smartphone application make it easier to evaluate the dizziness handicap inventory?
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Date
2019
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Abstract
Objective: The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) is a questionnaire that is frequently used for patients with vestibular system disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and reliability of the “e-DHI” smartphone application, which calculates DHI scores.Methods: Web-based iOS and Android smartphone applications (e-DHI) were developed to evaluate the DHI. After completing the questionnaire, the DHI total score and subscores (physical, functional and emotional) were assessed and results were noted and sent to the e-mail address. Twenty-five otorhinolaryngologists and neurologists were enrolled in the study to apply the DHI to the authors sequentially using the conventional assessment method and the e-DHI (randomized by priority). The questionnaire was applied by both methods, and for each method, the time required to complete the questionnaire, to calculate the DHI score, and the total time required were noted.Results: Three of the 25 doctors were excluded from the study due to a calculation error with the conventional evaluationmethod. The mean total time required for completing and scoring the questionnaire was shorter when the DHI was evaluatedwith the e-DHI application (160±32.2 seconds) compared with the classic assessment method (289±65.9 seconds) (p<0.001).There was no significant difference between the two methods in terms of the time taken to complete the questionnaire(p=0.269). However, the calculation periods were statistically significantly shorter with the digital application compared withthe conventional method (p<0.001).Conclusion: The present study showed that the DHI could be applied more quickly, more comfortably, and safely (with higheraccuracy) using the e-DHI smartphone application.