Susan E Langmore1, Donna R Scarborough2, Lisa N Kelchner3, Nancy B Swigert4, Joseph Murray5, Selena Reece6, Trish Cavanagh7, Leah C Harrigan8, Rebecca Scheel9, Memorie M Gosa10, Denise K Rule11. 1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, MA. 2. Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Miami University, Oxford, OH. 3. Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Cincinnati, OH. 4. Swigert & Associates, Inc., Biltmore Lake, NC. 5. VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, MI. 6. Carolina Speech Pathology, LLC, Apex, NC. 7. San Francisco VA Health Care System, CA. 8. University of Cincinnati Medical Center, OH. 9. Mass General Brigham/Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA. 10. The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. 11. Dynamic Dysphagia Solutions & Speech Pathology, Inc., West Sacramento, CA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Representatives of the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (AB-SSD) and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Special Interest Group (SIG) 13: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) developed this tutorial to identify and recommend best practice guidelines for speech-language pathologists who conduct and interpret fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) procedures in adults. This document also includes proposed training needs and methods for achieving competency. Expert opinion is provided regarding indications for performing the FEES exam, potential contraindications, adverse effects and safety, equipment and personal protection, the exam protocol, interpretation and documentation of findings, and training requirements to perform and interpret the exam. CONCLUSIONS: This tutorial by the AB-SSD and SIG 13 represents the first update about the FEES procedure since ASHA's position paper and technical report published in 2004. Creation of this document by members of the AB-SSD and SIG 13 is intended to guide professionals who are training for or practicing FEES in the adult population toward established best practices and the highest standards of care.
PURPOSE: Representatives of the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (AB-SSD) and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Special Interest Group (SIG) 13: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) developed this tutorial to identify and recommend best practice guidelines for speech-language pathologists who conduct and interpret fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) procedures in adults. This document also includes proposed training needs and methods for achieving competency. Expert opinion is provided regarding indications for performing the FEES exam, potential contraindications, adverse effects and safety, equipment and personal protection, the exam protocol, interpretation and documentation of findings, and training requirements to perform and interpret the exam. CONCLUSIONS: This tutorial by the AB-SSD and SIG 13 represents the first update about the FEES procedure since ASHA's position paper and technical report published in 2004. Creation of this document by members of the AB-SSD and SIG 13 is intended to guide professionals who are training for or practicing FEES in the adult population toward established best practices and the highest standards of care.