Our experience of a speech and language therapist-led swallow disorder clinic.

Abstract

Introduction: Dysphagia can lead to morbidity including weight loss and aspiration pneumonia. Effective triage of patients and streamlining of pathways to expedite diagnosis and treatment is therefore imperative.

Objectives: The goals of this research were to measure the referral to treatment time for dysphagia patients in a newly established pathway and compare with existing UK national and local referral to treatment times, and to evaluate patient feedback.

Methods: Speech and language therapy advanced clinical practitioners were trained in nasendoscopy and assessment of swallow. Referral to treatment times were measured and patient satisfaction questionnaires completed.

Results: A decrease in triage to treatment time (from 24 to 6 weeks). Patients reported high understanding of the condition and minimal discomfort during assessments. Radiation exposure was reduced (2 per cent of patients undergoing soluble contrast swallows, previously 100 per cent).

Conclusion: The new pathway expedites treatment and achieves high patient satisfaction. It empowers speech and language therapy in efficiently managing low-complexity cases and supports multidisciplinary care for dysphagia patients.