Information obtained from endoscopy is essential in speech therapist's daily clinical practice.
In the past, speech therapists work with clinicians in joint clinic setting to use endoscopy for speech or swallowing assessment and management. However, this application is limited due to inadequate medical and nursing support, as well as tight schedule of endoscopy suite facility. With proper training, ST starts to use endoscopy in their clinical practice, both in endoscopy suite and at bedside.
Use of endoscopy for bedside swallowing assessment is important, especially for those who are not fit for transfer to X-ray suite for Videofloroscopic Swallowing Study (e.g. patient staying in ICU). ST-led Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (ST-led FEES) was developed to bridge the gap. Besides swallowing assessment, the procedure is also useful for swallowing rehabilitation by providing real time visual feedback to patients during training.
ST-led endoscopy could also be extended to speech assessment and training, which includes management of velopharyngeal incompetence and voice disorders. This presentation would outline the development of ST-led FEES in the Hospital Authority. Current service provision and future development of ST-led endoscopy would also be discussed.
