Dizziness represents around four per cent of emergency department presentations in Australia. 

While often benign, it can indicate serious or life-threatening conditions such as stroke. Accurate assessment of patients presenting with acute dizziness is therefore critical. 

Evidence suggests that clinicians with appropriate vestibular training can outperform early brain imaging in predicting stroke in this cohort, yet undergraduate medical and physiotherapy programs do not consistently equip graduates with the skills required for acute vestibular assessment. 

As a result, junior clinicians frequently report low confidence and limited knowledge in managing acute vertigo. 

Physiotherapists with specialist vestibular training are well placed to contribute to the acute and subacute management of dizziness and are already utilised in many hospital settings for this purpose. 

However, access to suitable structured training opportunities remains limited, with time pressures, lack of skilled mentors and limited exposure to appropriate patients commonly cited barriers. 

These gaps highlight the need for accessible education models that can support skill development within busy clinical environments. 

Aims

The primary aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of an online vestibular learning package in improving the confidence and knowledge of physiotherapists in the assessment and management of acute dizziness. 

Secondary aims are to explore common barriers to accessing vestibular training and to evaluate whether an online format could address some of these challenges. 

Methods

The learning package was developed at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) using a three‑phase process. 

Phase 1 involved engagement of key stakeholders across physiotherapy and neurology for clinical content and relevant technical teams at RMH. 

In phase 2, videos, illustrations and interactive learning materials were developed and in phase 3, this was piloted with physiotherapists at RMH. 

The pilot proved successful and the learning package opened up to physiotherapists Australia-wide. 

Any physiotherapist, at any career stage, who is keen to learn more about vestibular assessment and acute management is encouraged to sign up and complete the learning package. 

Future impact

Clinicians will gain increased knowledge and confidence in the assessment and management of acute presentations of dizziness and patients will benefit from improved early recognition of serious complaints. 

How to participate

The vestibular learning package is currently free for all participants and is available to all healthcare professionals. 

Visit the Online Vestibular Learning Package Access website to join the waiting list, after which you should get a confirmation email. 

You will receive another email, normally within two weeks, with access to the module. 

Contact vestibular.physiotherapy@mh.org.au if you have any questions. 

The authors acknowledge the contribution of RMH physiotherapy and specialist stakeholders, the RMH Learning Hub and Medical Photography teams, and members of the Victorian Vestibular Network. 

Development of this learning package was partially supported by a Pat Cosh Trust Grant from the APA.