Difficulties Faced by Speech Therapists While Conducting Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) in Indian Hospital Settings

Author(s): Neema N Kutty

Abstract:

Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a validated instrumental assessment widely used for the evaluation and management of dysphagia. The procedure enables direct visualization of pharyngeal and laryngeal structures, secretion management, and airway protection during swallowing. Although FEES is internationally recognized as a speech therapist–led assessment, its routine implementation in Indian hospital settings remains limited. Speech therapists face multiple challenges related to infrastructure, professional role ambiguity, limited training opportunities, patient-related factors, and medico-legal concerns. This paper discusses the practical difficulties encountered by speech therapists while conducting FEES in Indian hospitals and emphasizes the need for institutional support and policy-level clarity to improve dysphagia care delivery.

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Pages: 20-21     |    3 View     |    0 Download