Rigid Endoscopes and the Clinical Swallowing Evaluation: Current Practices and Views of Practitioners

Abstract

Research shows that the use of rigid endoscopes can help speech-language pathologists detect dysphagia (difficulty swallowing); however, use of these scopes is rare for this purpose. We conducted a survey to learn more about the views and use patterns of current practitioners regarding this issue. Data confirm the scant use of these scopes during these evaluations and sheds light as to possible reasons for this. All but one practitioner responded they do not use these scopes for clinical swallowing evaluations.