A hard act to swallow: Evaluating the efficiency and confidence of speech pathologists when rating videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) using a novel, objective, validated rating tool.
| Monday, May 27, 2024 |
| 12:10 PM - 12:25 PM |
| Knowledge Hub |
Overview
Presenter
A hard act to swallow: Evaluating the efficiency and confidence of speech pathologists when rating videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) using a novel, objective, validated rating tool.
12:10 PM - 12:25 PMPresentation summary
One of the gold standards for investigating oropharyngeal dysphagia is a videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS). Accurate diagnosis of each of the oral and pharyngeal parameters is essential to determine which of these are contributing to the overall swallowing issues. This allows specific, evidence-based management to be delivered to provide best client outcomes and reduce or eliminate ongoing healthcare needs.
VFSS rating tools are one way in which speech pathologists can analyse these parameters. There are currently several published inter-rater measures for VFSS however they either require a significant cost to undergo the training and certification, remain highly subjective or have outdated physiological parameters which negatively impact their reliability. These factors often impact their usefulness and accessibility.
This presentation will examine the collected data on methods used to analyse VFSS's by speech pathologists from different service delivery settings across Australia, and their perceived confidence and accuracy when using them. This will be compared to a novel, accessible and validated rating tool based on normative adult data for each swallowing parameter, including age related changes. We will also present data on whether this facilitates increased objective measurements, higher inter-rater reliability and an understanding of what constitutes dysphagia versus normal variations due to age and other factors.
Key messages
1. Speech pathologists' perception on their accuracy and confidence in analysing VFSS's using different rating methods.
2. An understanding of the normative data available for each oral and pharyngeal parameter of swallowing in order to make accurate diagnoses, including the difference between normal variations of oropharyngeal swallow parameters and dysphagia to facilitate appropriate management.
3. A novel VFSS rating tool based on age-appropriate normative data in each oral and pharyngeal domain.
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Student volunteer(s)
The information contained in this program is current at of the time of publishing but is subject to changes made without notice.
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