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Abstract

Background: Vestibular dysfunction affects 15-20% of adults annually, often impacting daily activities and quality of life (Neuhauser, 2016). While occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants (OTs/OTAs) can address functional limitations caused by vestibular disorders, their role in vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is under-studied.

Objective: This study explored the competence and confidence of occupational therapy practitioners (OTP) in VR and identified barriers to implementation.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 532 OTP in the Gulf South region, with 79 responses received. The survey included questions on VR training, techniques used, barriers of implementation in practice, and educational supports. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and thematic analysis was applied to open-ended responses.

Results: Of the respondents, only 37% had received formal VR training while 63% had not. Commonly used techniques in practice included static balance screens (72%), oculomotor interventions (62%), and positional vertigo screens (55%). The reported primary barrier to VR was lack of training (66%). While 53% strongly agreed that VR is within OT scope of practice, over 30% felt that entry-level OT/OTA curricula inadequately prepared practitioners for VR evaluation and treatment.

Conclusions: The findings highlight a need for enhanced VR education and training for OTP. Addressing these gaps can empower OTP to better serve clients with vestibular dysfunction, improving clients’ overall participation in meaningful activities. Further research and professional development in VR are essential to advance the vital role of OTP in this area of practice.

DOI

10.32873/unmc.dc.tso.2.3.03

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

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