Improving the Clinical Education Model for Speech-Language Pathologists for Comprehensive Skills Training in Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, or (FEES)
Pattay, Susan M.
:
2023-12
Abstract
This capstone project focused on exploring what factors, processes or characteristics may facilitate better implementation of a comprehensive clinical education program for Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), to improve speech-language pathologists’ unified competency for patient care. The project aimed to understand if specific variables, evident in other professions where there are evidence-based endoscopic competencies, have value to transfer and implement in a system-wide FEES competency training model. This capstone project used a mixed-methods approach, including a survey and focus groups with follow-up assessment and recommendations for implementation based upon the findings. Findings suggest that speech-language pathologists value all aspects of their FEES training, but reflective practice and standardized practice are more important than self-assessment; communities of practice add value to speech-language pathologists' FEES training; and speech-language pathologists strongly value self-assessment and standardization in the contexts of FEES competence and FEES clinical confidence.