Speech-language pathology managers’ perceptions of a videofluoroscopic swallow study eLearning programme to support training and service delivery

Abstract

Purpose

Conducting and interpreting videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) is a complex, multi-dimensional task, requiring post-qualification training to develop knowledge, skill and competence. Speech-language pathology (SLP) managers must continually ensure staffs are adequately trained to deliver safe and effective VFSS services. However, VFSS training is resource intensive, variable in content and not consistently accessed universally. This study examined managers’ perceptions of a new VFSS eLearning programme and its impact on VFSS training and service delivery. The eLearning programme incorporated theoretical and procedural aspects of VFSS, accessed free of charge by speech-language pathologists working in a large public health service in Queensland, Australia.

Method

Twenty-two SLP managers participated in semi-structured interviews, which were evaluated using inductive content analysis.

Result

Four themes were identified relating to eLearning benefits: (1) design and content facilitated widespread uptake, (2) enhanced training opportunities, (3) increased clinical skill and workforce capacity and (4) benefits and efficiencies for SLP services. A fifth theme described contextual considerations for using the programme.

Conclusion

This study contributes information about the benefits of eLearning for delivering consistent, accessible VFSS training, in a resource-efficient manner. Managers perceived the eLearning programme as a valuable resource to supplement practical VFSS training, to ultimately support VFSS service provision.

Keywords:

• Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study
• modified barium swallow
• dysphagia
• training
• eLearning

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the SLP managers who participated in this study. The authors are grateful to Dr. Leisa Turkington for her valuable contribution to cross-checking interview data and coding.

Compliance with ethical standards

Informed consent: Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Ethical approval: All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2020.1726465

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported by the Collaborative for Allied Health Research, Learning and Innovation (CAHRLI) Scholarship, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Foundation Postgraduate Research Scholarship.