Dr Madeline Raatz1,2, Ms Claire Radford1, Ms Olivia Taylor1, Mrs Kelly Beak1, Dr Jeanne Marshall1,2
1Queensland Children's Hospital, Children's Health Queensland, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia, 2School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Biography:
Kelly is the Speech Pathology Statewide Program Manager for Clinical Education and Training for Queensland Health. Her role provides strategic leadership in the areas of student and workforce education for speech pathologists working in Queensland Health. Her research interests include identifying novel and innovative education opportunities in both student in workforce education.
Abstract:
Purpose:
Videofluorosopic swallow study (VFSS) is an area recognised by Speech Pathology Australia to require additional post-graduate training (Speech Pathology Australia, 2024). Staff availability, training and competency have been identified as factors impacting healthcare service sustainability more broadly, however, little is known about factors specifically impacting paediatric VFSS service sustainability. Therefore, this study aimed to explore service manager and SLP perspectives on factor/s impacting paediatric VFSS service sustainability and current training practices.
Methods:
Directors/service managers and lead paediatric VFSS SLPs from paediatric VFSS sites across Queensland Health sites were recruited to complete a 13-item questionnaire and optional semi-structured focus group. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inductive content analysis.
Findings:
Six facilities were represented, with 11 questionnaire responses and 8 participants across two focus groups. Half of the facilities had an existing structured VFSS training process, with training noted to take longer at facilities without a structured program (3-6 months vs. 6-12 months). Two main themes were derived from the data and described factors impacting service sustainability: (1) service and infrastructure (e.g., clinical demands impact time and capacity for VFSS) & (2) training & competency (e.g., service size affects training opportunities). Participants identified eight recommendations to improve training and subsequent staffing sustainability.
Conclusion:
A variety of factors were reported to impact paediatric VFSS service sustainability, with difficulties with staffing and training reported to underpin many of these issues. Findings highlight the need for better infrastructure, improved staff support/ contingency planning, and greater access to flexible and responsive training opportunities.