Emergency Department Physical Therapy for Dizziness

(FEED-PT Trial)

This trial aims to determine if having a physical therapist in the emergency department (ED) can provide immediate, improved care for people with dizziness. Typically, patients wait weeks for outpatient physical therapy, but this trial tests whether immediate care in the ED is more effective. Participants will either receive this new immediate physical therapy approach (Embedded Emergency Department Physical Therapy) or continue with the usual care, which might include tests and medications. Those visiting the ED for dizziness at Northwestern Memorial Hospital or University of Utah Hospital between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., and who speak English or Spanish, might be a good fit. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative care improvements for dizziness in the ED.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that having a physical therapist in the emergency department (ED) to assist with dizziness is safe. This approach has been applied to other issues, such as low back pain, without major safety concerns. The techniques and exercises used by therapists are standard and well-established, not experimental, indicating they have been tried and tested.

Studies indicate that this type of care does not harm patients. No reports of serious side effects or problems exist. Instead, it makes care quicker and easier to access.

Researchers are excited about embedding physical therapy directly in the emergency department (ED) for dizziness because it addresses treatment delays common in usual care. Unlike the standard process, where patients often wait weeks for outpatient physical therapy referrals, this approach provides immediate, on-site care. By placing a physical therapist in the ED, patients receive timely exercises, maneuvers, and coaching right when they need it. This method could significantly enhance patient outcomes by reducing wait times and potentially speeding up recovery.

This trial will compare usual care with the addition of embedded emergency department physical therapy for dizziness. Research has shown that having a physical therapist in the emergency department (ED) can help people with dizziness. Studies have found that this approach may improve dizziness symptoms over time. Specifically, patients reported feeling less dizzy after receiving physical therapy in the ED. Researchers measure this improvement using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory score, which tracks dizziness-related problems. Overall, early evidence suggests that ED physical therapy is a promising way to manage dizziness quickly and effectively.¹²³⁵⁶