New swallow service supports patient recovery

31 Mar 2022

Videofluoroscopy Swallow Study (VFSS) is an x-ray assessment used by Speech Pathologists to identify swallowing anatomy and movement. It provides information about the cause and symptoms of swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) and the effectiveness of strategies and rehabilitative techniques.

The commencement of the service at the hospital was led by Senior Speech Pathologist Jade Carr in partnership with the hospital’s onsite radiology service, SKG.  

“VFSS will be used across most of our inpatient and outpatient services but in particular forms an important part of the care of rehabilitation and mental health patients where we see an older age group who may be experiencing a degenerative illness or recovering from an illness or injury, said Jade.

“Previously, patients were transported off-site for the procedure which could incur a wait time and can be destabilising for older patients who may also have delirium or dementia.”

The introduction of the service was designed to not only improve patient outcomes but to also provide a more positive experience for the patient.   

“Using this technology allows us to have a true patient-centred approach to care, with the ability to personalise based on the patient’s clinical needs, said Jade.  

“Around 50 percent of older aged patients require a swallowing assessment and it is best practice to conduct a VFSS when they first arrive at hospital as it informs the type of food and fluid they can safely eat and drink and what therapy exercises and strategies are needed.

“Importantly, it allows us to measure the effectiveness of our treatment and to work towards the patient regaining their ability to eat and drink normally.

“Ultimately, VFSS will help us to improve rehabilitation outcomes and support patients to return to their lives outside of hospital faster.”  

Jade has been busy behind the scenes introducing the model to the hospital, liaising with SKG and relevant doctors, and securing additional training to enable her to be credentialed in the service.

St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital is the second largest provider of rehabilitation services in Western Australia after the State Government.