Affiliation:
1. Department of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery, Stanford University, CA
Abstract
Purpose:
Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is an important diagnostic tool used in the management of patients with dysphagia. In order to optimize the standardization, reliability, and validity of ratings, it is suggested that formal rating scales be integrated into clinical practice and documentation. In this clinical focus article, we will review extant rating scales for FEES exams and discuss strategies to integrate them into clinical practice.
Conclusions:
Rating scales for FEES take into consideration parameters of safety, efficiency, and overall swallowing impairment. Integrating such measures into clinical documentation helps to increase the standardization and comparability of clinical documentation.
Publisher
American Speech Language Hearing Association