Background: As health systems face increasing demands, non-medical prescribing is a workforce redesign strategy adopted within some services. Despite successful implementation in other professional groups, non-medical prescribing within speech pathology (SP) has not yet been described. Aims: To provide a descriptive account of the development and…

Background: Videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) are integral to diagnosing and supporting dysphagia management. However, in many countries, only doctors are authorized to complete medical imaging request forms, in accordance with radiation safety regulations. This can impact workflow and timely access to VFSS. Enhanced scope of practice (ESP)…

Background: Speech and language therapists (SLTs) use videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) results to manage dysphagia. Yet, in some services only doctors can directly request a VFSS, potentially creating workflow inefficiencies and delaying patient access to VFSS. An alternative model, where SLTs directly refer patients for VFSS, is used in…

Background: Prioritized research agendas are viewed internationally as an important method for ensuring that health research meets actual areas of clinical need. There is growing evidence for speech-language therapy-prioritized research agendas, particularly in disorder-specific areas. However, there are few general research priority agendas to…

Background: Speech-language therapists (SLTs) seek a range of educational opportunities for training in adult videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS). However, variable training methods and/or unequal access to training can influence VFSS practice. Aims: To document current SLT needs and barriers to VFSS training and to determine if a new…

Background: Descriptions of community-based speech-language therapy (SLT) dysphagia practices and services are underrepresented in the research literature, despite the prevalence of dysphagia in the community. Owing to a globally ageing population and government drives to support people to remain living at home rather than in hospital or aged…

Background: It has long been recognized that tracheoesophageal speech (TES) rehabilitation after laryngectomy is a specialized area of practice for speech and language therapist (SLTs) due to the complex nature of patient presentation and the invasive components of the SLT's role in this area. Therefore, postgraduate experience and training is…

Background: Many speech and language therapists (SLTs) work with patients who have a tracheostomy. There is limited information about their working practices and the extent to which recent publications and research have influenced the speech and language therapy management of the tracheostomized patient. Aims: This study reviews the current…

Background: It is known that people with dysphagia experience a number of negative consequences as a result of their swallowing difficulties following head and neck cancer management (HNC). However their perceptions and experiences of adjusting to dysphagia in the post-treatment phase, and the services received to assist this process, has not been…