Tutorial on Clinical Practice for Use of the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Procedure With Pediatric Populations: Part 2

Purpose: This is Part 2 of a two-part tutorial series establishing clinical guide-lines pertaining to the administration of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) developed by representatives of the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, all of whom are members of Special Interest Group 13. Whereas Part 1 focused on use of FEES with adults and included general information common to using FEES in any population, the pur-pose of this tutorial is to provide clinicians with updated best practice clinical guidelines for performing, interpreting, and documenting outcomes when using FEES with the pediatric population. This document has two main sections. The first section discusses the history of pediatric FEES, needed knowledge and skill pertaining to all elements of performing and interpreting the examination including detailed information related to indications and contraindications, developmental anatomical and physiological changes across childhood, prepar-ing for and conducting the examination, medical collaboration, and patient safety. The second section provides detailed guidelines for clinicians who require training for use of FEES with the pediatric population.Conclusions: This first of its kind tutorial offers guidelines for clinicians who perform, interpret, and/or want to train to perform FEES in the pediatric popula-tion. Important clinical distinctions exist when using FEES with the pediatric population versus with the adult population. Developmental changes, pediatric medical frailty, provider-parent/caregiver interaction, collaboration with physi-cian colleagues, and patient safety are representative of key areas highlighted in this document.

Automated summary

This two-part tutorial series provides clinical guidelines for the use of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) for pediatric patients. The first part discusses the history, knowledge, and skills needed for performing and interpreting the examination, as well as indications, contraindications, developmental changes, and patient safety. The second part provides detailed guidelines for clinicians who require training for the use of FEES with the pediatric population.