LC SLP/SLS 6-2003

Abstract: Approve the document entitled “Knowledge and Skills Needed by Speech-Language Pathologists Performing Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies”

RESOLVED, That the document entitled “Knowledge and Skills Needed by Speech-Language Pathologists Performing Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies” be approved as ASHA policy; and further

RESOLVED, That “Knowledge and Skills Needed by Speech-Language Pathologists Performing Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies” be published in the next annual supplement to The ASHA Leader and that it be posted on the professional Web site, be made available upon request from the ASHA Action Center, and be included in the next revision of the ASHA Desk Reference.

Rationale: This document represents the work of a working group supported by Special Interest Division 13 (Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders), which was charged to develop a knowledge and skills practice policy document delineating the specific areas in which an SLP must be knowledgeable to perform videofluoroscopic swallowing studies, as well as the skills they must possess to effectively perform such studies.  This document is a revision of the Knowledge and Skills portion of the Videofluoroscopy or Videofluorography section of the 1992 policy document, “Instrumental Diagnostic Procedures for Swallowing.”  The need for this document stems from a growing use of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies in the assessment and treatment of individuals with swallowing disorders. The purpose of this document is to outline the competencies needed for the performance of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies.