To perform Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), the clinician must be competent. Competency is typically first completed by taking a Basic FEES course. There are a lot of options for a Basic FEES courses out there. We recommend taking an in-person Basic FEES course if you are planning on scoping. During the in-person course, you should have the opportunity to scope on individuals without dysphagia. This will allow you to see what normal swallowing looks like.
After completing the Basic FEES course, it is recommended to find a mentor and scope on patients with dysphagia. There is not a certain number of passes that must be obtained from ASHA guidelines, however your state may require a certain number of passes. The mentor can help you identify what is abnormal. He/she can sign off on your competency. Finding a FEES mentor is difficult due to a variety of reasons. There is a lack of experienced and well-trained Speech-Language Pathologists in this specialty field performing FEES. It can also be costly to get FEES mentorship as the mentor must take time off their day in order to provide these services.
NDoscopy Dysphagia Specialists provide FEES Mentoring on-site to help SLPs with their competency training which includes the entirety of the process of FEES such as chart review, food and equipment set-up, procedure for providing po trials, scoping, cleaning/disinfecting. We also provide virtual FEES mentoring for reviewing and analysis of your videos or any questions related to FEES!
