Interpretation of Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

It is the position of the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) that Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is within the scope of practice for Speech-language Therapists (SLT). FEES should only be carried out by SLTs specifically trained to do so and therefore requires a competency framework and formalised education to provide support to trainers and to ensure trained members perform and interpret FEES safely and accurately. 


FEES is a recognised tool for the assessment of swallowing disorders. It has been carried out by SLTs since its inception and description by Susan Langmore in 1988. There are three key specialised competency components for FEES: 

1. Interpretation of FEES recordings 

2. Passing a scope safety, comfortably and for maximal visualisation 

3. Leading FEES and complex clinical decision making 

This e-learning module covers 1 only – Interpretation of FEES recordings. 


This is considered a specialist area of speech-language therapy practice and is not a core requirement of under-graduate programmes in New Zealand or internationally. However, there is no restriction on years of practice prior to gaining interpretation of FEES recordings competency.


Learning Objectives: 

The participant will be able to: 

1. To have a general understanding of the purpose and scope of FEES in swallowing assessment in comparison to other swallowing assessment such as videofluoroscopy 

2. To be able to identify normal and abnormal pharyngolaryngeal anatomy and physiology 

3. To be reliable in the use current rating scales for evaluation of penetration/ aspiration, secretion accumulation and residue


Authors:  

Anna Miles PhD

Alexandra Hunting 

Mary McFarlane

Becca Hammond


Working with Māori adults with acquired communication disorders {Module Two}

Working with Māori adults with acquired communication disorders

Radiation Training for Speech-Language Therapists

This teaching supplement provides you with a basic level of theory in the area of radiation safety. It does not aim to ensure your clinical competency but may contribute to your overall continuing professional development within this specialist area. Local policy & supervisor advice should be taken to ensure theory is applied safely & appropriately into practice. 


Learning Objectives 

  • To define of the principles of ionizing radiation during fluoroscopy. 
  • To describe the possible effects of ionizing radiation on an adult, child and fetus. 
  • To describe the effects of time, distance and shielding on the radiation effect for patient and therapist and how to reduce it. 
  • To describe the New Zealand National Radiation Laboratory (NRL) Policy for safe practice including radiation monitoring and radiation protective equipment.
  • To describe the roles and responsibilities of the members of the radiation team in radiation safety.

Constructing and Delivering a Team Plan

Course Overview: 

This course is designed for any leader- whether you are working as a solo practitioner, or have a large team (or teams) reporting to you; the principles of sound planning remain the same. 

Topics covered include: 

  •  Why plan? 
  •  Your Vision Statement 
  • 6 Key Steps to a Successful Team Plan 
  • Setting Goals 
  • Sample Plan 
  • Implementing Your Plan 
  • Keeping the Plan Live 
  • Resolving Challenges 
  •  Celebrate Your Successes

Oesophageal Screening for the Speech-language Therapist

Course written by Anna Miles PhD, Speech-language Therapist and Expert Advisor to NZSTA

By the end of this e-module students will be able to:

 

1. Recognise normal oesophageal clearance of a liquid bolus across the lifespan
2. Describe the importance of screening the oesophagus in an SLT-led videofluoroscopy procedure
3. Describe the components of a standard oesophageal screen
4. Recognise abnormal oesophageal clearance and report abnormal findings

An Introduction to Palliative Care

Speech Acoustics and Auditory Learning