Specialised vestibular physiotherapy in the emergency department: A pilot safety and feasibility study.

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.