Embedded emergency department physical therapy for dizziness
Official title: A Multi-Site Feasibility Trial of Embedded Emergency Department Physical Therapy for Dizziness
Run by Northwestern University · NCT07225023 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether placing a physical therapist directly in the emergency department helps adults with dizziness get faster, more targeted care than usual ED care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northwestern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07225023 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older who present to a participating ED with a primary diagnosis of dizziness during 8am–8pm, speak English or Spanish, and are able to consent are the ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe neurologic deficits suggesting stroke, those currently in police custody, unable to consent, known to be pregnant, or those presenting outside participating EDs or outside study hours are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a multi-site, randomized feasibility trial testing an embedded emergency department (ED) physical therapy care model for adults presenting with dizziness at two academic EDs. Two hospital EDs (Northwestern Memorial Hospital and University of Utah Hospital) will be randomized 1:1 to either embed a physical therapist in the ED for 9 months of active intervention or continue usual care, with 12 months of longitudinal data collection. The trial focuses on feasibility outcomes such as ability to enroll participants, deliver the intervention with fidelity, and collect follow-up data necessary for a future full-scale trial. A third ED will contribute baseline electronic health record data to inform feasibility analyses but will not enroll participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, embedding a physical therapist in the ED could speed appropriate management of dizziness, reduce unnecessary testing or returns, and help patients recover more quickly.
How similar studies have gone: A prior single-center randomized trial of this embedded ED physical therapy model for low back pain showed promising results, but applying the model to dizziness across multiple sites is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Emergency Department (ED) visit with primary diagnosis related to dizziness * ED visit occurring at an ED site participating in randomization (Northwestern Memorial Hospital, University of Utah Hospital) * ED visit check-in time during the hours of 8am-8pm * Age greater than or equal to 18 years; there is no age maximum * English or Spanish-speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Severe neurologic deficit concerning for ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (i.e., that would necessitate activating a stroke code) * Currently in police custody * Unable to consent * Known pregnancy
Where it's running
-
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Howard Kim, MD, MS
- Email: howard.kim@northwestern.edu
- Phone: 312-926-0591
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.