Advocacy

Standing Up for Quality Dysphagia Care

Why Advocacy Matters

Many patients with swallowing difficulties are placed on modified diets or feeding tubes without first receiving an instrumental swallowing assessment. This is not considered evidence-based practice and can significantly impact quality of life.

The Problem

Clinical (bedside) swallowing evaluations alone have been shown to be insufficient for accurately identifying aspiration and determining appropriate diet recommendations. Research demonstrates that without instrumental assessment, clinicians may:

Miss silent aspiration in up to 50% of cases
Over-restrict diets unnecessarily
Under-restrict diets, putting patients at risk
Recommend feeding tubes when they may not be necessary

What ASHA Says

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recognizes the importance of instrumental swallowing assessments. According to ASHA guidelines, instrumental assessment should be considered when clinical evaluation results are inconclusive or when aspiration risk is suspected.

Read: Build a Case For Instrumental Swallowing Assessments in Long-Term Care →

How You Can Advocate

Know Your Rights

Patients have the right to request an instrumental swallowing assessment.

Ask Questions

Ask healthcare providers about the basis for diet recommendations.

Seek Re-Evaluation

Consider seeking a re-evaluation with FEES or MBSS from a qualified SLP.

Spread Awareness

Share information about evidence-based dysphagia care with others.