Improving the Clinical Education Model for Speech-Language Pathologists for Comprehensive Skills Training in Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, or (FEES)

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.