Episode # 165 • 02 Apr 2024
Implementing FEES for Infants in CVICU & NICU
In this episode, pediatric speech language pathologist (SLP) Olivia Brooks (University of Florida Shands Hospital) shares her experience performing inpatient fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) with host Dr. Gopi Shah.
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Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
06:26 - The Importance of a Comprehensive Evaluation
13:00 - Choosing Between VFSS & FEES
22:44 - The Evolution of Inpatient Bedside FEES
31:27 - The Role of Speech Pathologists in Swallow Assessment
33:23 - Collaboration between Speech Pathologists & Otolaryngologists
35:31 - Developing Safety Protocols for Bedside FEES
41:21 - Equipment for Bedside FEES
53:20 - Differences between the NICU and the CVICU
01:00:03 - Final Thoughts and Advice Regarding Swallow Studies
Resources
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More about this episode
First, Olivia reviews the presentation of swallowing disorders in infants. She explains differences between the two most common swallowing tests: videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) and (FEES). Then, she reviews how she uses patient comorbidities and the physical exam to select the appropriate test for each infant. Underscoring the importance of collaboration across care teams, she describes her role performing swallow studies in the NICU and pediatric CVICU. She then shares tips on equipment, ergonomics, and teamwork while performing bedside FEES. The podcast wraps with her advice about working on an interprofessional team to care for children with swallowing disorders.
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