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Specialised vestibular physiotherapy in the emergency department: A pilot safety and feasibility study
Author(s) -
Lloyd Melanie,
Luscombe Allison,
Grant Catherine,
Karunajeewa Harin,
Klim Sharon,
Wijeratne Tissa,
Kelly AnneMaree
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
emergency medicine australasia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.602
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1742-6723
pISSN - 1742-6731
DOI - 10.1111/1742-6723.13569
Subject(s) - medicine , vestibular system , physical therapy , emergency department , vestibular rehabilitation , etiology , vestibular disorders , prospective cohort study , physical medicine and rehabilitation , audiology , surgery , nursing
Objective To evaluate the safety and feasibility of vestibular physiotherapy in the ED, and its impact on adherence to evidence‐based clinical practice. Methods This prospective pre‐post implementation study of adults presenting with dizziness symptoms of potential vestibular aetiology measured the proportion of participants safely completing vestibular physiotherapy assessment and treatment. Results A total of 52 participants were recruited (20 usual care and 32 vestibular physiotherapy). Thirty (93.8%) of 32 completed all components of physiotherapy assessment, and there were no adverse events recorded. Conclusion The results of the present study support extending the role of physiotherapists to managing peripheral vestibular dysfunction in the ED.