Dysphagia Evaluation Practices of Speech and Language Therapists in Ireland: Clinical Assessment and Instrumental Examination Decision-Making

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to investi-gate clinical assessment practices and instrumental examination decision-making by speech and language therapists (SLTs) in Ireland. A 21-question survey (including patient scenarios) was sent to 480 SLTs in Ireland. A total of 261 completed surveys were re-turned (54%), providing demographic information on SLTs currently working in Ireland and their services. Of these 261 surveys, 70 provided the data for the study, focusing on SLTs currently working in dys-phagia, with adults/seniors at least some of the time. The results also showed clinician variability regarding which components are included in a bedside clinical examination of swallowing, with a high degree of consistency for only 11 of the 20 components. Clini-cians agreed in their instrumental vs. noninstrumen-tal evaluation recommendations for two of the six patient scenarios, with wide variability in clinical decision-making. Possible influences on clinical deci-sion-making are discussed in relation to the findings of similar previous studies, as well as the current status and future needs of dysphagia training and services in Ireland