Curious about one of the gold standards in swallowing assessment? Join us for an insightful discussion about Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) with our guest Prof. Heather Starmer. This episode offers valuable perspectives for both those new to FEES and those looking to enhance their current practice, as Heather shares practical knowledge gained from years in the field.

We explore the sometimes overlooked aspects of FEES preparation, consider how FEES and videofluoroscopy can complement each other rather than compete, and discuss common challenges in interpretation that many clinicians face. Heather also reflects on emerging developments that might shape dysphagia assessment in the coming years. Whether you’re just beginning your journey with FEES or use it regularly in your practice, we hope this conversation provides some helpful insights for your work with people with dysphagia.

Literature that we discuss in this episode

• Vose et al. (2018). A Survey of Clinician Decision Making When Identifying Swallowing Impairments and Determining Treatment. https://doi.org/10.1044/2018_JSLHR-S-17-0212





• Molfenter et al. (2024). Radiographic Magnification on Videofluoroscopy: And Important Variable to Consider for Scaled Analyses of Swallowing. 10.1044/2023_JSLHR-23-00430





• Pisegna & Langmore (2016). Parameters of Instrumental Swallowing Evaluations: Describing a Diagnostic Dilemma. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-016-9700-3





• Curtis et al. (2021). Visual Analysis of Swallowing Efficiency and Safety (VASES): A Standardized Approach to Rating Pharyngeal Residue, Penetration, and Aspiration During FEES. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-021-10293-5





• Starmer et al. (2021). Adaptation and Validation of the Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity for Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing: DIGEST-FEES. https://doi.org/10.1044/2021_JSLHR-21-00014





• Neubauer et al. (2015). The Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale: An Anatomically Defined and Image-Based Tool. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-015-9631-4





• Kaneoka et al. (2014). The Boston Residue and Clearance Scale: Preliminary Reliability and Validity Testing. https://doi.org/10.1159/000365006





• The Swallow Symposium: Advocating and Innovating. (2024).