Sonali Bera
Purpose: To document local vestibular rehabilitation (VR) resources, to facilitate increased access to VR services and advancement of expertise among rehabilitation professionals.
Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 12 physical therapy, occupational therapy and audiology clinics in Humboldt County, California. Results were summarized using descriptive statistics.
Findings: Forty-four percent of the nine responding clinics engaged in VR. Physical therapists offered most VR evaluation and treatment services yet access to services is limited. Family physicians were the top referral sources. Common referral diagnoses were benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and dizziness/vertigo. All respondents indicated strong interest in expanding VR continuing education opportunities.
Conclusion: Expanded access to VR services and VR continuing education opportunities for rehabilitation professionals is needed. Local physicians’ perspectives on VR services are needed, along with increased involvement of occupational therapy, audiology, neurology, and ear, nose and throat specialists. Examination of model VR programs may facilitate development of VR services locally.