Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group (FSFHG) ENT Speech Pathology advanced scope of practice service- four years on.
Background: ENT Speech Pathology advanced scope of practice (ASP) clinics were introduced to FSFHG in 2019, to facilitate timely access to assessment and treatment, and reduce the category 2 and 3 ENT outpatient waitlists. The FSFHG ENT SP ASP clinic was modelled on the dysphonia and dysphagia pathways for the ENT Allied Health Practitioner (AHP) Service at Logan Hospital, Queensland.
Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of FSFHG ENT SP ASP clinics over a four-year period.
Method: A retrospective audit was conducted from data captured between July 2019 and November 2024. Variables charted include referral disorder types, assessment outcomes and patient satisfaction. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: To date, 278 ENT patients have been managed through the FSFHG speech pathology ASP clinic. 39% were referred to ENT with dysphonia, 17% referred with dysphagia, 32% referred with globus and 11% for chronic cough. As a result of this first contact allied health clinic, 80% of patients were discharged from ENT. Only 16.5% were reappointed to ENT for further follow-up. Patient satisfaction is very high at 87%. Data analysis is ongoing and final results including thematic analysis will be presented.
Conclusion: This evaluation demonstrates that the FSFHG SP ENT ASP clinic has been effective in removing category 2 and 3 patients, referred with dysphonia, dysphagia, chronic cough and globus, from the ENT waitlist. The service provided is thorough and patients are very satisfied. Very few patients require further ENT follow-up.

1. ENT SP ASP clinics effectively assess and manage category 2 & 3 outpatients with dysphonia, dysphagia, globus and chronic cough.
2. 80% of patients can be discharged from ENT following this assessment.
3. 87% of patients are very satisfied with the service.