Dysphagia On-the-Job Resources

This one-stop hub provides information and on-the-job resources for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) managing dysphagia across the lifespan in all areas of health care.

Templates

These templates are available in Word format so they can be customized. Fill out the dysphagia template request form to request a copy in Word format.

FEES Guideline Template [PDF] Use this template as a starting point for developing your own employer-specific guidelines around using FEES in your facility.
FEES Program Justification Template [PDF] Use this template to develop a FEES program proposal and provide justification for administrators and other stakeholders.
Instrumental Evaluation Handoff Templates Use these templates as a communication tool between SLPs and other providers when a shared patient receives an instrumental swallowing evaluation. Print and complete these forms to provide the SLP who is conducting the instrumental swallowing assessment with relevant patient information. This paper form travels with the patient, helping guide the evaluation and offering important context for the study. The clinician conducting the assessment will complete the assessment portion at the end. Modify as needed to fit your facility’s requirements. When using these forms, follow your organization’s HIPAA policies and guidelines. Obtain the necessary permission from the patient and/or caregiver/care partner, and document it in the electronic medical record (EMR) per facility requirements. Adult Template [PDF] Pediatric Template [PDF]
Documentation Templates These templates are intended for use in electronic medical records but can be modified for paper use.

Competency

SLPs Are the Most Qualified Providers for Dysphagia Services ASHA maintains that SLPs are the most qualified providers for dysphagia services in all settings. This webpage includes a printable resource with talking points for administrators in health care settings.
Dysphagia Competency Verification Tool (DCVT) [PDF] The DCVT was developed jointly by the following two programs: ASHA Special Interest Group 13 (SIG 13), Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (AB-SSD) Joint Committee on Dysphagia Competencies Clinicians can use this resource for self-assessment of competency. Employers, supervisors, or preceptors can use it as a tool for evaluating and documenting dysphagia knowledge and skill competencies.

Instrumental Swallow Studies

Making the Case for Instrumental Assessments (The ASHA Leader) Consult this Leader article for tips and talking points that help you address the need for instrumentation in post-acute health care settings.
Getting Started With Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) Learn more about how to start a FEES program in your facility—from state-specific regulations to competency, training, and equipment considerations.
Launching a FEES Program (ASHA Stream video) Watch this course to learn how clinicians have built and implemented FEES programs across diverse health care settings, including in the NICU and rural health care settings.

Diet Modification

Diet Texture Modifications for Dysphagia Learn more about external factors that influence diet modification guidance—like facility- and state-specific variables and the SLP’s scope regarding ordering dysphagia diets.
International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) The IDDSI framework was designed to standardize terminology and definitions used to describe modified diets around the world. This webpage details the history behind—and ASHA’s support of—IDDSI.
Alternative Nutrition and Hydration in Dysphagia Care Learn more about the SLP’s role in recommending alternative nutrition and hydration (ANH)—including clinical indications for recommending ANH, patient factors, and clinical outcomes.