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ERIC Number: EJ1463874
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Mar
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1368-2822
EISSN: EISSN-1460-6984
Available Date: 2025-02-20
Oesophageal Screening in Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies: Perspectives from the Multidisciplinary Dysphagia Team to Refine the Clinical Pathway
International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, v60 n2 e70006 2025
Background: Videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) are multidisciplinary swallowing assessments led by speech-language therapists (SLTs). The purpose of oesophageal screening in VFSS is to guide further diagnostic assessment and treatment of possible oesophageal abnormalities. Yet, internationally standard protocols and clinical pathways for oesophageal screening in VFSS have not been established. Aim(s): The aim of this study was to refine and optimise oesophageal screening in VFSS at one Australian metropolitan hospital by incorporating expertise of the multidisciplinary dysphagia team. Methods and Procedures: Focus groups/semi-structured interviews were conducted with SLTs, radiologists (RADs), gastroenterologists (GEs), referring medical officers (MEDs) and medical radiation technicians (MRTs, also known as radiographers) working in VFSS. Interview questions explored oesophageal screening approaches, interpretation and reporting practices, GE referral criteria and clinical recommendations. Data were analysed via qualitative content analysis to determine meaning units, sub-categories, and categories. Outcomes and Results: Twenty-six health professionals were interviewed (n = 8 SLTs, n = 6 RADs, n = 5 MEDs, n = 4 MRTs, n = 3 GEs). Four categories were identified: (1) oesophageal screening in VFSS adds clinical information but has limitations; (2) specific knowledge, skills and organisational factors are needed to optimise oesophageal screening, including in procedure, interpretation, reporting, GE referral pathway and intervention selection; (3) multidisciplinary consensus is needed regarding normal versus abnormal oesophageal transit and GE referral criteria; and (4) patient context, preferences and reported symptoms should primarily guide dysphagia decision-making. Each category had several component subcategories. The local clinical pathway (also known as care pathway or care map) for oesophageal screening in VFSS was refined by incorporating multidisciplinary dysphagia team expertise. Conclusions and Implications: There was a willingness from the multidisciplinary dysphagia team to refine the local clinical pathway for oesophageal screening in VFSS. Detailed clinical pathways that guide workflow and decision-making should be considered when introducing oesophageal screening into VFSS protocols.
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; 2Speech Pathology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia; 3Research and Innovation, West Moreton Health, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia; 4School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand