Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

Priority will be given to SLT applicants who fulfil the following criteria:

• Working at a Senior or Clinical Specialist level
• Experience in working independently with adult patients with dysphagia for a minimum three years
• Competence in performing videofluoroscopy independently OR knowledge of VFU procedure and interpretation
• Advanced clinical knowledge of normal and disordered anatomy and physiology for respiration, airway protection and swallowing
• Are actively or planning to submit in 2022 a business case for videonasendoscopy stack and scopes for FEES service
• Have identified an SLT (Level 2B or Level 3 competencies) U:\FEES\Policy & Procedures\RCSLT Position papers\RCSLT_FEES postion paper 2020.pdf who can provide supervision in achieving FEES competencies locally or at a different site
• Have or are in the process of developing a pathway to ENT service either in local or an adjacent institution

Course Overview

The foundation course includes 10 hours of lectures and 4 hours of hands-on practice. The lecture component covers normal anatomy & physiology, indications for FEES, safety and risk, protocols for FEES exam, rating an exam, interpretation, use of endoscopy for treatment, and setting up a FEES service.  The hands on component involves participants passing the flexible scope 4-5 times (on other participants), under the guidance of experienced SLT endoscopists.  A certificate of completion is provided to participants who complete all parts of the 2-day course.  

Course Tutor

The foundation course is taught by Dr. Patricia Gillivan-Murphy PhD, Clinical Specialist SLT, Clinical Lead in FEES at the Mater Hospital. Patricia has used FEES for many years with a range of clinical presentations and dysphagia etiologies, both in an in-patient and out-patient setting.  She has trained SLT colleagues at the Mater Hospital and SLT’s in other settings across Ireland.  There will also be contribution from ENT, and other SLT’s experienced in FEES from the Mater.

Learning goals include the following:

• Understanding the role of FEES in assessment and management of pharyngeal dysphagia
• Decision making around selecting a FEES procedure versus a videofluoroscopy
• Essential equipment for conducting a FEES procedure
• Scope decontamination
• Identification of abnormal anatomy and physiology in the context of FEES
• Following a FEES protocol for assessment
• Rating scales
• Interpretation and reporting of findings
• Setting up a FEES service
• Obtain an introductory level of skill in manipulating and passing a flexible endoscope through the nasopharynx, oropharynx to the laryngopharynx to obtain an optimal view for the FEES exam

Terms, conditions and registration fee apply. 

Completion of expression of interest does not guarantee a place on this course. All expressions of interest will be reviewed, and if approved, a payment link will be sent by email to secure your place. Your place will not be secured until payment is received.