Oesophageal screening in videofluoroscopic swallow studies: Perceptions and practices of Australian speech-language pathologists

Abstract

Purpose

There is building evidence that oesophageal screening (OS) should be considered a critical component of videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS). This study surveyed Australian speech-language pathologists (SLPs) regarding current practices and perceptions of OS in VFSS.

Method

A 16–24 item online survey was distributed to Australian SLPs via relevant email forums. One response per site was requested. Survey questions explored experience and training in VFSS, skill and confidence with OS, OS protocol use, and pathways following OS.

Result

One hundred and one SLPs across all Australian states and territories responded, with 70% (n = 69/99) from metropolitan hospitals and 74% (n = 75/101) having more than five years’ VFSS experience. While 69% (n = 70/101) of SLPs conducted OS, only half (n = 35/70) conducted OS routinely, and only 4% (n = 3/70) always used published OS protocols. Barriers to OS, for some participants, were concerns about scope of practice and confidence.

Conclusion

This study confirms higher levels of OS in Australia compared to similar international surveys and provides rich data on the Australian context. Prescriptive clinical guidelines for OS, consensus regarding a preferred OS protocol, and specific OS training may clarify SLP scope of practice and improve SLP confidence and standardisation in OS.

Keywords:

• dysphagia
• VFSS
• oesophageal screening
• survey

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the survey participants for giving up their time to participate in this study and the survey pilot group for assisting with survey development.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no financial interest or benefit has arisen from this research.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/17549507.2022.2061049.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a Metro South Health Queensland Government Study, Education and Research Trust Account (SERTA) grant.