Gap Education
Basic FEES Training
October 12 - 13, Salt Lake City, UT
1.6 ASHA CEUs (16 Hours)
Professional, Intermediate-Level
This 2 day, in-person, intensive course introduces the principles and practices of Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). Designed for speech-language pathologists looking to enhance their diagnostic skills in dysphagia assessment, this course offers both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.
Participants will delve into the nuances of the anatomy and physiology of swallowing as captured through endoscopy. The curriculum covers indications and contraindications for FEES, as well as a detailed procedure for performing the evaluation. Topics include patient preparation, equipment handling, safety protocols, and interpretation of findings.
Highly interactive lectures, video demonstrations, case studies, and supervised practice sessions ensure an engaging and comprehensive learning experience. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the foundational knowledge to conduct FEES and accurately diagnose swallowing disorders.
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Please contact Tim@SwallowtheGap.com for input or assistance regarding special needs (eg, dietary, visual, hearing, physical).
Learning Objectives
01
Anatomy
Identify key anatomical features relevant to FEES via clinical observation and endoscopically.
02
Typical vs. Atypical
Differentiate between typical and atypical anatomical appearance and functions related to nasal, pharyngeal, laryngeal, and tracheal regions as viewed via transnasal endoscopy.
03
Utility and Limitations
Recognize the utility and limitations of FEES in various clinical scenarios, including contraindications and the impact of specific patient conditions.
04
Hands-On Skills
Complete transnasal endoscopic passes with supervision, utilizing proper technique and monitoring patient/participant comfort.
Learning Objectives
05
Critical Thinking
Assess swallowing function with various, patient-appropriate consistencies of foods and liquids, through FEES.
07
Differential Diagnosis
Assess swallowing physiology as visualized via transnasal endoscopy, providing differential diagnosis between typical vs. atypical findings.
06
Pre - PO Trial Assessment
Assess the management of oropharyngeal secretions by the patient, noting any deviations from expected patterns.
08
Patient Specificity
Demonstrate FEES technique that reflects individual patient needs, selecting appropriate test components based on the patient's medical history and current status.
Learning Objectives
09
Management Techniques
Apply evidence-based information regarding management options during the FEES examination to address identified issues, including the use of therapeutic maneuvers and interventions.
10
Clinical Adaptation
Evaluate patient responses to implemented therapeutic strategies during the exam, adjusting techniques as necessary to improve swallowing function and airway protection.
11
Infection Control
Apply infection control protocols effectively during the setup, execution, and post-procedure stages of FEES to ensure a safe environment for both patient and healthcare provider.
12
Documentation
Document a FEES study with background, data, clinical interpretation / impressions, and recommendations.
Travel Info
Links:
Inexpensive Roundtrip Flights To/From Western US cities
Pay over time available!
Schedule
Day 1
Morning Session:
08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Introduction: ASHA position, familiarity with state regulations, facility requirements & procedures.
08:30 AM - 09:15
AM Gross Anatomy, Physiology, & Cranial Nerves: Review will be catered to needs identified by course pretest results.*
09:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Overview of Flexible Scoping: Scope, camera, light, etc. Visuals of equipment; infection control.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM Break
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Strengths and Limitations Transnasal Endoscopy for Swallow Evaluation: General limitations, FEES vs. MBS vs. CSE.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
In-Depth Review of Physiological Processes Through the Lens of FEES: Explore strengths, limitations, and critical thinking framework.
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM Lunch Break
Afternoon Session:
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Case Based Integration Session 1: Scaffolded integration of material & interpretation.
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
FEES Contraindications: Present data on potentially adverse reactions (Langmore et al., 2021); informed consent and due diligence.
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Setup, Materials, Technical skills, Assistance: Food/liquid prep, materials to have on hand, practice demonstration, hands-on practice of technical skills with Feedback
3:15 PM - 03:30 PM Break
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Supplemental Tools: Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale, VASES, others, Integration of the Cranial Nerve Exam into FEES.
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Protocol and Decision Making: Developing or deciding on a protocol, critical thinking and decision making during a mock exam
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Review, Student assessment, fielding questions, Day 1 post-exam for students, preview of Day 2.
Day 2
Morning Session:
08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Intro and Reflection: Intro to Day 2 and reflection on Day 1 material integration
08:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Hands-On Practice: Practice with equipment before scoping.
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Documentation: Essentials of FEES documentation.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM Break
10:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Scoping Practice: Hands-on transnasal scoping with guided feedback; technical skill training and refinement. Multiple passess and multiple subjects per person. Observation. Being scoped (optional).
12:00 PM - 01:00 PM Lunch Break
Afternoon Session:
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Practice: Practice setting up examination materials, providing instructions to mock patients, informed consent practice with PO trials, collaboration, protocol, and taking data.
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Treatment Considerations with Endoscopy: Biofeedback & more with demonstration.
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM Break
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Case - Based Integration Session 2 with Documentation: Scaffolded integration of material, scaffolded interpretation, & documentation pair-and-share.
4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Course Conclusion: Tying up loose Ends
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Post Test
*Before the course, a pretest of oral and pharyngeal gross anatomy, swallowing physiology, and cranial nerves will be provided to attendees. It is anticipated that this will take 30 minutes to complete. This information will be used for the course.
For CEU credit, learners must attend all sessions and earn 80% on post test.
Our Generous Course Sponsors
Financial Support
Financial Support
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In-Kind Sponsor
In-Kind Sponsor
Saturday Evening Outing In Downtown Salt Lake City (Optional):
Participant is responsible for food and beverage costs if they choose to join.
Meet the Instructors
Instructor Disclosures
Tim Stockdale, SLPD, CCC-SLP
Financial Disclosures
Gap Education, LLC - Owner - Royalties and Salary
Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions - Salary & Royalties
Intermountain Health - Salary
Non Financial Disclosures
ASHA SIG-13 Professional Development Committee Volunteer
Jeanette Benigas, PhD, SLP
Financial Disclosures
Safe Swallowing Diagnostics, LLC - Owner - Royalties and Salary
Medbridge - Course Author - Royalties
Western Reserve Hospital - Salary
Non Financial Disclosures
Fix SLP - Owner and Operations Director
