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Unlocking Dysphagia Service Excellence: Insights from a Canadian Survey

Unlocking Dysphagia Service Excellence: Insights from a Canadian Survey

The field of dysphagia (swallowing disorders) service delivery has seen significant developments over the years. A recent national survey of Canadian speech-language pathologists (SLPs) provides valuable insights into current practices, challenges, and trends in this area. Here's how practitioners can leverage these findings to enhance their service delivery and clinical skills.

Understanding the Current Landscape

The survey, conducted by the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA), revealed several key trends:

Implementing Survey Findings

Practitioners can enhance their dysphagia service delivery by integrating the following practices:

1. Formalize Swallowing Screenings

Implement formal screening procedures to identify patients who need further assessment. The survey indicated that clinical pathway approaches and patient self-reporting are effective methods.

2. Leverage Instrumental Assessments

Utilize instrumental assessments like VFSS to gain detailed insights into swallowing mechanics. Ensure quick access to these assessments to minimize wait times for patients.

3. Expand Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Foster collaboration with other healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists, dietitians, and nursing staff to provide comprehensive care. The survey highlighted the benefits of interdisciplinary involvement in clinical swallowing assessments (CBSAs).

4. Invest in Continuing Education

Engage in workshops, conferences, and on-the-job training to stay updated with the latest practices and technologies in dysphagia management. The survey noted that most clinicians pursue continuing education to enhance their skills.

Encouraging Further Research

Practitioners are encouraged to delve deeper into the survey findings and related research to continually improve their clinical practices. Understanding the evolving landscape of dysphagia service delivery can help in developing innovative solutions and improving patient outcomes.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Dysphagia service delivery by speech-language pathologists in Canada: Results of a national survey.


Citation: Steele, C. M., Allen, C., Barker, J., Buen, P., French, R., Fedorak, A., Irvine Day, S., Lapointe, J., Lewis, L., MacKnight, C., McNeil, S., Valentine, J., & Walsh, L. (2007). Dysphagia service delivery by speech-language pathologists in Canada: Results of a national survey. Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, 31(4), 161-200. https://cjslpa.ca/files/2007_CJSLPA_Vol_31/No_04_161-200/Steele_CJSLPA_2007.pdf
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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