Helpful Information

This is different for every speech pathologist and facility. Current ASHA guidelines recommend the completion of an introductory FEES course followed by passing the endoscope on 10 healthy volunteers followed by passing the endoscope on at least 15 patients with dysphagia under the guidance of a mentor until competency is obtained. Following competency, the FEES mentor provides remote feedback on FEES documentation. It is likely that a clinician with extensive dysphagia experience might achieve competency with these 25 passes, but this is dependent upon the clinician. On a mentorship and supervision day with Clarity Dysphagia Solutions, it might be reasonable to complete 1-2 FEES exams, depending upon the setting.

Many introductory FEES courses provide a clinician with at least a few passes on healthy volunteers. Under mentorship, a clinician should expect to complete additional passes on healthy volunteers in their medical setting with their own equipment. Usually, volunteers are fellow employees willing to undergo a FEES exam. Dysphagic patients will need to be identified by the training clinician in their own facility. This involves patient selection, obtaining consent and the medical order before the mentor arrives. Unsure who is a good FEES candidate? Your mentor can help!

No. FEES and MBS equipment needs to be in place at the training facility and the training clinician should have a basic understanding of their equipment operation.

Yes, mentors and clinicians employed by Clarity Dysphagia Solutions are covered by their own liability policy.

There are many training courses available. Let’s get in touch and we can provide you with suggestions!

Yes. We can provide recommendations on equipment and considerations in setting up a new FEES or MBS program.