Evaluation of the implementation of a speech and language therapist-led referring model for VFSS using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

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 many services in the UK and Australia. However, processes for implementing and sustaining this model have not been reported. AIMS: To evaluate the implementation of an SLT-led inpatient VFSS referring model using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to ascertain implementation barriers, facilitators and critical sustainability factors. METHODS & PROCEDURES: This implementation evaluation examined stakeholder perceptions of implementing the SLT-led VFSS referring model via interviews of (1) SLTs who treat and refer inpatients for VFSS; (2) doctors who manage and refer inpatients for VFSS; (3) radiologists; and (4) trained VFSS referring SLTs. The CFIR was used to prospectively guide implementation planning, evaluation and outcome reporting, regarding barriers, facilitators and sustainability factors. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: Implementation facilitators were (1) the advantage of SLT-led VFSS referring over the standard model (doctors referring), in promoting high-quality VFSS referrals; (2) compatibility of the model with the SLT skill set; (3) supportive communication networks between staff groups; and (4) engaging stakeholders throughout implementation. Adequate availability of trained VFSS referring SLTs was both a barrier and a facilitator of implementation. It was also a critical sustainability factor, along with ongoing staff education and outcome monitoring. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: The CFIR supported systematic evaluation of implementation facilitators and barriers, and adjustment of factors critical for implementing and sustaining the new model. Findings may assist other organizations to establish the SLT-led VFSS referring model. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject Models where SLTs directly refer patients for VFSS have been described in the literature, with evidence of appropriate referrals and adherence to radiation safety standards. However, the process for establishing and sustaining this referring model has not been published. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study describes the process and outcomes of implementing an SLT-led VFSS referring model, using the CFIR. A key advantage of the new model that facilitated implementation was the improved quality of VFSS referrals compared with the standard referring model. Important facilitating factors in the environment were the compatibility of the model with SLTs' skillset and supportive communication network between doctors and SLTs. Initially, an implementation barrier was the inadequate availability of trained SLT referrers. Using proactive implementation strategies, more referrers were trained (which was a facilitating factor for implementing and sustaining the model). What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? This study highlights that successful implementation requires more than just an effective model. Features of the environment require consideration to minimize barriers and optimize facilitating factors, supported by proactive implementation strategies. Planning and evaluating implementation processes and outcomes using a standardized implementation framework such as CFIR aided understanding of barriers and facilitators for introducing the SLT-led VFSS referring model. This process may assist other services to implement the model.

Implementation of a speech and language therapy-led referring model for videofluoroscopic swallow studies: An evaluation of service outcomes.

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) models of care exist, where speech and language therapists (SLTs) are authorized to complete VFSS request forms. However, formal evaluations of these ESP models are currently lacking. AIMS: The primary aim of this study was to examine service outcomes regarding the safety and efficiency of SLTs completing VFSS request forms compared with the medical referring model (standard care). The secondary aim was to ascertain the impacts on SLTs' daily workflow and the utility of training for SLTs to complete VFSS requests. METHODS & PROCEDURES: The study involved a mixed-method design. First, referrals completed using standard care versus those completed under the new SLT-led VFSS referring model were compared for efficiency (days to request completion, number of contacts between staff to complete requests and delay to VFSS appointments) and safety (compliance with radiation safety standards for requests, adverse events and change to dysphagia management to justify radiation exposure). Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with SLT referrers (n = 7) exploring the impacts of the model on daily workflow and the utility of training. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: VFSS inpatient requests were examined across a 3-month period (n = 61 requests) using the standard model, and for 6 months (n = 109 requests) following the introduction of SLT-led VFSS referring. Regarding efficiency, there was no significant difference between the two models, with most request forms taking less than or equal to 1 day to be completed. Adherence to radiation safety requirements was significantly greater in the SLT-led VFSS referring model compared with the standard model (p < 0.001) in relation to the overall requisite clinical information being documented on the request forms. No adverse events occurred and 100% of VFSSs led to changed dysphagia management. Interviews of VFSS referring SLTs revealed that completing requests was not complex or onerous, and that the training equipped them well to undertake the role. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: The SLT-led VFSS referring model was feasible for SLTs and resulted in satisfactory efficiency and greater adherence to radiation safety requirements for VFSS request forms than the standard model. Improved information on VFSS request forms provides clearer justification for the radiation procedure and helps optimize the diagnostic yield of VFSS. The evidence supports further widespread adoption of this model. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject Models of care permitting selected allied health professionals to refer patients for diagnostic radiology procedures have been established to achieve healthcare efficiencies. Evidence supports the safety and efficiency of physiotherapists referring to radiology. However, limited published outcome data exist regarding models of SLTs referring for radiology procedures, such as VFSS. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study describes the implementation of a SLT-led VFSS inpatient referring model in a quaternary hospital and examines service outcomes. The findings reveal that VFSS request forms completed in the SLT-led referring model had greater adherence to radiation safety standards compared with the standard referring model. Efficiency was similar across both models and there were no adverse events. Completing VFSS requests did not disrupt daily workflow for SLTs and training was effective preparation for the role. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Results demonstrate that the SLT-led VFSS referral model can be safely and appropriately implemented in the inpatient setting. Improved quality of information documented on request forms by SLTs increases adherence with radiation safety standards, providing clearer justification for radiation assessments and potentially eliciting more targeted diagnostic information to inform dysphagia treatment planning. These findings may support other hospital services to establish this type of referring model.

Implementation of hospital wide dysphagia screening in a large acute tertiary teaching hospital.

Purpose: There are no examples in the literature of successful long-term hospital-wide implementation of nurse-led dysphagia screening. This article aims to describe strategies used to implement hospital-wide dysphagia screening in a large acute tertiary teaching hospital in Australia. It reports on compliance, accuracy and nursing staff satisfaction using the validated Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Dysphagia Screening Tool (RBWH DST).Method: A retrospective observational study of audit data was conducted to examine hospital-wide compliance and accuracy of dysphagia screen completion. A nursing staff survey measured staff satisfaction. Implementation included: (1) utilisation of validated tool (RBWH DST); (2) key stakeholder engagement and strong governance; (3) policy development; (4) education; and (5) review and monitoring processes.Result: Audits conducted over a 9-year period (n = 3726) showed an average hospital-wide compliance rate of 74% and an accuracy rate of 82%. A nurse satisfaction survey (n = 109) showed high levels of satisfaction associated with using the RBWH DST.Conclusion: The RBWH DST was implemented in a large acute tertiary teaching hospital with acceptable compliance and accuracy rates and favourable nursing staff satisfaction. Further study is required to objectively evaluate patient health and cost benefits associated with using the RBWH DST.

Can human mannequin-based simulation provide a feasible and clinically acceptable method for training tracheostomy management skills for speech-language pathologists?

PURPOSE: Workplace training for tracheostomy management is currently recognized to be inconsistent and insufficient. A novel approach, using technology-enhanced simulation, may provide a solution to training tracheostomy management skills by providing a consistent, time-efficient, and risk-free learning environment. The current research evaluated clinicians' tracheostomy skills acquisition after training in a simulated learning environment and explored changes in clinicians' confidence and perceptions after the experience. METHOD: Forty-two clinicians with no or low levels of tracheostomy skill attended one of six, 1-day simulation courses. The training involved both part-task skill learning and immersive simulated scenarios. To evaluate clinicians' acquisition of manual skills, performance of core tasks during the scenarios was assessed by independent observers. Questionnaires were used to examine perceived outcomes, benefits, and perceptions of the learning environment at pre-, post-, and 4 months post-training. RESULTS: Only 1 clinician failed to successfully execute all core practical tasks. Clinicians' confidence increased significantly ( p < .05) from pre- to post-workshop and was maintained to 4 months post-workshop across most parameters. All clinicians reported positive perceptions regarding their learning outcomes and learning in a simulated environment. CONCLUSION: These findings validate the use of simulation as a clinical training medium and support its future use in tracheostomy competency-training pathways.

Validation of predictive factors of dysphagia risk following thermal burns: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the validity and reliability of a risk factor model developed for use in predicting dysphagia risk within the first 24 h after injury/hospitalisation in patients with thermal burns. METHOD(S): Three hundred and fifty six patients with thermal burns, with or without inhalation injury, who were consecutively admitted to and received management at a quaternary state-wide burn center over a 12 month period, were included. Patients were reviewed for dysphagia risk by nursing staff using an established set of predictive factors. If risk factors for dysphagia were present, referral to speech-language pathology was initiated to investigate swallow function. RESULT(S): Of the 356 admissions, 83 patients were identified as meeting one or more risk criteria for dysphagia after burn. Of these, 24.9% (n = 30; 8.42% of the total cohort) presented with dysphagia. Using these criteria, sensitivity and specificity for detection of dysphagia risk were high (100% and 83.74%, respectively). The criteria over identify patients who may be at risk of dysphagia and who require dysphagia assessment (positive predictive value = 36.14%). However, as a set of predictors of dysphagia risk when thermal burn is the only complaint, a negative result reassures that a patient does not have dysphagia (negative predictive value = 100%). CONCLUSION: Overall, the risk factor model provided a valid measure for predicting dysphagia risk. Incorporating these criteria into a dysphagia screening assessment can ensure an evidence-based pathway for early detection and timely referral to speech-language pathology for patients at risk of dysphagia after thermal burns.

A pilot trial of a speech pathology telehealth service for head and neck cancer patients.

We explored the feasibility of providing access to specialist speech pathology services via telehealth for patients with head and neck cancer. A weekly telehealth clinic was conducted between the speech pathology departments of a tertiary hospital and a regional hospital in Queensland. Over a 5-month period, 50 telehealth sessions were conducted for 18 patients. There were 38 patient consultations, nine case discussions between clinicians and three clinical training sessions relating to the skills needed for specific client management (e.g. voice prosthesis selection). Eight sessions had multidisciplinary involvement. All cases were successfully managed via telehealth. All patients agreed that they were comfortable using telehealth and would be happy to use it again in future. Both clinicians agreed that they could competently assess patients using the telehealth system. There appeared to be financial benefits for the patient, because by receiving specialist intervention at a local facility their travel expenses were lower. There was also the opportunity for workforce training and development through online case discussion and clinical consultation.

Clinical progression and outcome of dysphagia following thermal burn injury: a prospective cohort study.

The objectives of this study were 1) to establish clinical profiles of dysphagic and nondysphagic individuals following thermal burn injury and 2) to provide a clinical profile of the progression and outcome of dysphagia resolution by hospital discharge for a dysphagic cohort. A total of 438 consecutively admitted patients with thermal burns were included. All patients underwent a clinical swallowing examination. Medical parameters regarding burn presentation and its treatment and speech-language pathology specific variables from admission to discharge were collected for each participant. Dysphagia was identified in 49 patients via clinical assessment, and their course of recovery was followed up until the point of dysphagia resolution or discharge. No significant difference was observed between the dysphagic and nondysphagic groups in age, gender, and injury etiology. However, the dysphagic cohort was significantly different from the nondysphagic group in all variables pertaining to injury presentation and medical management. Individuals with dysphagia took significantly longer to start, and maintain, oral intake and required nonoral supplementation for three and a half times longer than those who were nondysphagic. Length of speech-language pathology intervention averaged 1 month for the dysphagics and increased with dysphagia severity. Return to normal fluid consistencies occurred in >75% of dysphagic individuals by week 7 after injury, although resumption of normal diet textures was more protracted, with 75% resuming normal oral intake by week 9. Dysphagia had resolved in 50% of the cohort by week 6, and by hospital discharge, 85% of the dysphagic individuals had resumed normal oral intake of thin fluids and a general diet. This is the first large prospective cohort study to establish clinical profiles of dysphagic and nondysphagic cohorts and document the nature of dysphagia and patterns of recovery within the thermal burn population. These current data will assist the allocation and planning of speech-language pathology services and provide baseline data on the course of dysphagia resolution in the adult thermal burn population.

Physiological characteristics of dysphagia following thermal burn injury.

The study aim was to document the acute physiological characteristics of swallowing impairment following thermal burn injury. A series of 19 participants admitted to a specialised burn centre with thermal burn injury were identified with suspected aspiration risk by a clinical swallow examination (CSE) conducted by a speech-language pathologist and referred to the study. Once medically stable, each then underwent more detailed assessment using both a CSE and fiberoptic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). FEES confirmed six individuals (32%) had no aspiration risk and were excluded from further analyses. Of the remaining 13, CSE confirmed that two had specific oral-phase deficits due to orofacial scarring and contractures, and all 13 had generalised oromotor weakness. FEES revealed numerous pharyngeal-phase deficits, with the major findings evident in greater than 50% being impaired secretion management, laryngotracheal edema, delayed swallow initiation, impaired sensation, inadequate movement of structures within the hypopharynx and larynx, and diffuse pharyngeal residue. Penetration and/or aspiration occurred in 83% (n = 10/12) of thin fluids trials, with a lack of response to the penetration/aspiration noted in 50% (n = 6/12 penetration aspiration events) of the cases. Most events occurred post swallow. Findings support the fact that individuals with dysphagia post thermal burn present with multiple risk factors for aspiration that appear predominantly related to generalised weakness and inefficiency and further impacted by edema and sensory impairments. Generalised oromotor weakness and orofacial contractures (when present) impact oral-stage swallow function. This study has identified a range of factors that may contribute to both oral- and pharyngeal-stage dysfunction in this clinical population and has highlighted the importance of using a combination of clinical and instrumental assessments to fully understand the influence of burn injury on oral intake and swallowing.

Incidence and predictive factors for dysphagia after thermal burn injury: a prospective cohort study.

The objective of this study is to determine dysphagia incidence for a consecutively admitted population of thermal burn injury patients and to determine admitting characteristics that can be used to reliably predict patients at risk of developing dysphagia after thermal burn. Four hundred thirty-eight patients with thermal burns, with or without inhalation injury, who were consecutively admitted to and received management at a state-wide burn center over a 2-year period (2007-2009) were included. All patients meeting the project's inclusion criteria underwent clinical swallowing assessment to determine the presence or absence of dysphagia. Dysphagia incidence was found to be 11.18% (n = 49) in the admitted population. Dysphagia severity at initial assessment was classified as severe for 40.82%, moderate for 30.61%, and mild for 28.57%. Statistical analysis revealed a core set of statistically significant parameters known within the first 24 hours postinjury that showed strong sensitivity and specificity for detection of dysphagia risk. These include, in isolation or in combination, with the consideration of increasing age, TBSA burnt ≥18%, head and neck burns, need for escharotomy, inhalation injury, need for intensive care admission, and need for mechanical ventilation. This is the first large, prospective cohort study to document dysphagia incidence within the thermal burn population and to validate key predictors for dysphagia risk in this population. These data will assist the allocation and planning of speech pathology services and provide an evidence-based pathway for ensuring early identification and management of patients at high risk of dysphagia after thermal burn injury.

The challenges of dysphagia management and rehabilitation after extensive thermal burn injury: a complex case.

The role of the speech pathologist in the burns population is still emerging, with detailed discussion of the assessment and management of dysphagia limited to date. This report describes the case of a 60-year-old man who developed severe contractures of the head and neck and oropharyngeal dysphagia after sustaining 53.5% deep partial- and full-thickness burns. Although some aspects of rehabilitation were confounded by a preexisting mild intellectual disability, the patient was able to participate in an intensive regimen of active and passive exercise to rehabilitate his oropharyngeal dysphagia. Significant oral contractures remained; however, the patient was discharged without tracheostomy and consuming a texture-modified diet with no signs of aspiration. To our knowledge, this is one of a small handful of reports that document speech pathology management of the burns population, and a first that identifies and outlines specific characteristics of, and rehabilitation strategies for, dysphagia in a burned individual.

Triaging dysphagia: nurse screening for dysphagia in an acute hospital.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To (1) develop a dysphagia screening tool to triage all patients at risk of aspiration/dysphagia on admission to acute hospital wards, (2) evaluate tool reliability, (3) evaluate nursing compliance and (4) develop a robust dysphagia training programme. BACKGROUND: Failure to diagnose dysphagia has significant medical and economic costs. Dysphagia screening reduces pneumonia threefold. Most nurse-screening tools have focused on stroke. However, many other conditions are associated with dysphagia. A multidisciplinary team developed a nurse-administered, evidence-based swallow screening tool for generic acute hospital use. DESIGN: Prospective, quasi-experimental. METHODS: Nurses were assessed for knowledge pre- and post-training. All patients were nurse-screened for dysphagia on admission. All patients were reviewed by speech pathologists to determine screening accuracy. Results were not blinded. The one page tool encompassed (1) diagnostic categories, (2) patient/carer interview, (3) dysphagia indicators and (4) if applicable, water swallow test. RESULTS: Thirty-eight nurses participated in a seven-week study; 442 patients were screened on two general medical wards. Three speech pathologists counter-assessed each patient by clinical examination or chart review. Sensitivity was 95%; specificity was 97%. Positive predictive value was 92%; negative predictive value was 98%. 3.4% of clinical screening decisions were incorrect. Compliance rate was 85%. CONCLUSIONS: Caution is advised in interpretation of the results due to lack of blinding. Initial results suggest that the dysphagia screening tool is a quick and robust tool for triaging individuals with dysphagia. Training is critical to successful screening. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Twenty-five to 30% of acute hospitalised individuals have dysphagia. All adult acute patients are screened for dysphagia using the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital dysphagia screening tool. Patients are triaged into categories of 'those requiring additional specialist intervention' and 'those who can proceed directly to regular diets and liquids'. Improved quality of care and cost savings is likely.