Inconsistencies in care: a UK and Ireland survey exploring acute vestibular service provision in adult major trauma centres
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Vestibular dysfunction is common following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Previous research has noted patients are not routinely assessed or treated acutely, due to uncertainty around healthcare professionals’ roles and their limited knowledge and skills. This research however was limited to two UK London major trauma centres (MTCs). The present study aimed to explore current provision for acute post-traumatic vestibular assessment and treatment in UK and Ireland MTCs. An online survey was developed and refined with input from healthcare professionals. The final survey was distributed between April and August 2024 to healthcare professionals working in 32 adult MTCs in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Data were analysed using Excel. Surveys were completed at 28/32 (87.5%) MTCs. 13/28 (38%) of respondents indicated routine vestibular assessment and treatment were provided. Barriers to routine assessment and treatment included knowledge and skills deficiencies and the absence of protocols. Geographic variation was evident with 75% of
centres in London and Scotland reporting higher rates of routine vestibular assessment and treatment compared to 20-25% of centres in other regions. Our findings show adult acute vestibular service provision is inconsistent across MTCs in the UK and Ireland, with the potential to cause inequalities in health and care outcomes. Strategies to address inconsistent service provision include training and the development of pathways and guidelines both nationally and locally.
centres in London and Scotland reporting higher rates of routine vestibular assessment and treatment compared to 20-25% of centres in other regions. Our findings show adult acute vestibular service provision is inconsistent across MTCs in the UK and Ireland, with the potential to cause inequalities in health and care outcomes. Strategies to address inconsistent service provision include training and the development of pathways and guidelines both nationally and locally.
Date Issued
2026-05-25
Date Acceptance
2026-04-27
Citation
Frontiers in Neurology, 2026, 17 (1)
ISSN
1664-2295
Publisher
Frontiers Media S.A.
Journal / Book Title
Frontiers in Neurology
Volume
17
Issue
1
Copyright Statement
© 2026 Smith, Tahtis, Newdick, Harris, Wilkinson, Ralph, Roberts and Corcoran. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
License URL
Identifier
10.3389/fneur.2026.1829958
Subjects
rehabilitation
service provision
survey
traumatic brain injury
vestibular dysfunction *CORRESPONDENCE
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
1829958
Date Publish Online
2026-05-25