Advanced Interpretation of FEES Instrumental Assessments

Whether passing the scope or assisting while the endoscopist passes the scope, this course will help the therapist wade through the challenges of interpreting FEES and creating treatment strategies following the assessment. Course material presents interpretation of the instrumental assessment from a physiological standpoint. The instructor will provide guidelines to dysphagia therapists regarding traditional therapy, modalities such as VitalStim®, and pharmacological implications. In addition, participants will gain strategies for collaboration, consultations, and referrals to other disciplines. This course aims to educate SLPs on comprehensive interpretation of FEES and treatment approaches. Course Disclosure: This is an intermediate course, and basic knowledge of FEES and FEES interpretation is recommended.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Summarize professional topics and guidelines related to FEES
Describe and Identify all anatomical structures observed during FEES
Identify pathology related to swallowing observed during FEES
Differentially Diagnose root cause of swallowing pathology, and develop treatment plan and consultation referrals based on this diagnosis
Use FEES as a biofeedback treatment approach
Analyze and differentiate treatment protocols for swallowing treatment to include pharmacology, modalities, exercises, and diet modifications
Interpret abnormal FEES videos and recommend treatment strategies based on information learned in this class

Course Instructor(s)

Lubna Nabulsi

CCC-SLP

Lubna Nabulsi is a Speech-Language Pathologist that has been practicing in Skilled nursing rehabilitation for 20 years. She graduated with her Masters in Speech-Language Pathology from Towson University in Baltimore Maryland. Prior to becoming and SLP, Lubna was a Medical and Research Technologist working at University of Maryland Hospital Immunology Department. This created a unique knowledge of overall medical pathology and how it related to disease and disorders that affect swallowing. Lubna is currently the Senior SLP at Futurecare Health and Management. Lubna developed a successful inhouse FEES program at all Futurecare skilled nursing facilities., and in the past 10 years has trained over 20 SLP in FEES instrumentation and competency.

Financial Disclosure: Lubna receives honoraria from CIAO for the presentation of her live courses and royalties for the sale of her online courses.
Non-Financial Disclosure: There are no non-financial relationships to disclose.

Course Agenda

Day 1

08:00 - 09:00

Professional topics and review and evaluation of the anatomy

09:00 - 10:00

Instrumentation and supplies for FEES. Mobile fees. PPE and infection control

10:00 - 10:15

Break

10:15 - 11:30

FEES Assessment (swallow physiology, dysfunction, and sensory testing)

11:30 - 12:00

Identifying pathology

12:00 - 12:30

Lunch

12:30 - 02:30

Video interpretation practice

02:30 - 02:45

Break

02:45 - 03:30

treatment approaches, referrals, and when to re-FEES

03:30 - 04:45

Inhouse FEES program vs. Outsourced vendor

04:45 - 05:00

Questions and Answers

Contact hours pre-approved for:

8 Hours
CIAO is an ASHA Approved Provider #AAWA (0.8 ASHA CEUs) bubble sheet submission required

This course is offered for 0.8 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area)