Ep. 165 Implementing FEES for Infants in CVICU and NICU with Olivia Brooks, SLP

BackTable ENT

In this episode, Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) Olivia Brooks (University of Florida Shands Hospital) shares her experience performing inpatient fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) with host Dr. Gopi Shah.

First, Olivia reviews the presentation of swallowing disorders in infants. She explains differences between the two most common swallowing tests: videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) and (FEES). Then, she reviews how she uses patient comorbidities and the physical exam to select the appropriate test for each infant. Underscoring the importance of collaboration across care teams, she describes her role performing swallow studies in the NICU and pediatric CVICU. She then shares tips on equipment, ergonomics, and teamwork while performing bedside FEES. The podcast wraps with her advice about working on an interprofessional team to care for children with swallowing disorders.

---

CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR

Karl Storz Tele Pack

https://www.karlstorz.com/

---

SHOW NOTES

00:00 - Introduction

06:26 - The Importance of a Comprehensive Evaluation

13:00 - Choosing Between VFSS & FEES

22:44 - The Evolution of Inpatient Bedside FEES

31:27 - The Role of Speech Pathologists in Swallow Assessment

33:23 - Collaboration between Speech Pathologists & Otolaryngologists

35:31 - Developing Safety Protocols for Bedside FEES

41:21 - Equipment for Bedside FEES

53:20 - Differences between the NICU and the CVICU

01:00:03 - Final Thoughts and Advice Regarding Swallow Studies

---

RESOURCES

KARL STORZ ENT Products:

https://www.karlstorznetwork1.com/ent

Olivia Brooks CCC-SLP’s UF Profile

https://ufhealth.org/doctors/olivia-a-brooks/bio