Training speech pathologists to utilize an oesophageal sweep during videofluoroscopy.

Abstract

Videofluoroscopy Swallowing Studies (VFSS) are the gold standard for diagnosing oral and pharyngeal swallowing disorders. With two-thirds of adults presenting for VFSS having oesophageal abnormalities, it seems prudent to include visualisation of the oesophagus, in context with the entire swallow process, to provide further information to the diagnostic team. Specific SP training in oesophageal sweep, within Australia, has been encouraged to ensure standardised practices are implemented and SPs feel more confident to conduct these studies. This study aims to evaluate the ability of speech pathologists (SPs) to identify oesophageal abnormalities observed on VFSS and refer on for further evaluation, and the relative improvement in that ability with training.