Concurrent validity and responsiveness to change of the vestibular screening tool

BACKGROUND: Vestibular disorders are common in the Emergency Department and valid tools are required to screen for vestibular disorders and monitor outcomes. The aim was to determine the new vestibular screening tool’s (VST) concurrent validity with the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), responsiveness to change in symptoms after vestibular rehabilitation across the continuum of care and the minimal clinically important difference.
METHODS: Longitudinal prospective study undertaken with adults (N.=195) presenting to hospital with non-emergent dizziness (mean age=64.4±15.4 years; female=59.5%). The VST and DHI were completed concurrently at three assessment points: initial, discharge and 3-month follow-up. Physiotherapy tests categorized people (vestibular/non-vestibular). People in the vestibular group were offered treatment.
RESULTS: The VST demonstrated moderate to high associations with DHI total (r=0.673-0.768) with DHI physical sub-category scores (r=0.759-0.809) at each assessment-point. The mean change scores for both measures significantly decreased across the continuum of care (P≤0.05) with a clinically meaningful VST change score of 2-points determined. Across the care pathway, moderate to high associations presented between changes in VST and DHI total scores (r=0.697-0.709).
CONCLUSIONS: The VST demonstrates concurrent validity with the DHI and is responsive to change following vestibular rehabilitation intervention. The VST could be clinically useful in a hospital setting.