Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies: Competency for Speech-Language Pathologists

The only in-depth resource on pediatric videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) covering preparation, interpretation, caregiver counseling, and advanced clinical reasoning.

Merging the latest research with real-world clinical expertise, Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies: Competency for Speech-Language Pathologists provides clinicians and graduate students with information vital to achieving competency in conducting a successful pediatric VFSS. This text specifically focuses on the Dysphagia Competency Verification Tool (DCVT) for the VFSS and goes one step further by addressing the competencies within the pediatric population. Readers gain the kind of in-depth preparation needed to carry out the assessment process and coordinate with members of the interdisciplinary team in a medical setting. Visual reinforcement (x-ray images) along with detailed descriptions of the assessment process include a case history questionnaire, caregiver considerations, pediatric patient factors, radiology issues, a value scale, along with many practical suggestions for working with the child and members of the team. This text may be used as a clinical reference or as an instructional tool. Book content may be introduced prior to “watch-shadow-do” processes of training or used concurrently. The knowledge and skills covered in the text are thorough enough for newcomers to pediatrics or pediatric speech-language pathologists new to VFSS. Those with clinical expertise—whether supervisors or seasoned practitioners—will also benefit from the content, which provides in-depth coverage of each topic. 
The book concludes with a unique chapter addressing the mental health challenges of VFSS clinicians, supporting practitioner well-being and resilience. 

Key Features

• Uses the guidance of the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (AB-SSD) and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) guidelines on VFSS competency, and covers Joint Commission requirements of the medical workplace where the pediatric VFSS is conducted 
• Organized by the 30-line items of the DCVT VFSS Specialty Skill in logical sections with chapters that mirror the clinical VFSS process, allowing the reader to build knowledge as they read, or reference as a resource 
• Includes case studies, scripts, and clinical decision-making algorithms that help the clinician bridge the gap between theory and practice
• Contains multiple helpful appendices, including summaries of disorders, protocols, practical checklists, and VFSS tips to guide clinicians through complex cases
• Focuses on caregiver counseling and psychosocial considerations, supporting compassionate, family-centered care
• Glossary of key terms

PluralPlus Online Ancillaries

For instructors: PowerPoint Slides, Test Bank

Contents

Preface
Introduction
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Dysphagia Competency Verification Tool

Section I. Foundational Knowledge and Pre-Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study

Chapter 1. Indications and Contraindications
Chapter 2. Candidates for Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study
Chapter 3. Radiation Precautions
Chapter 4. Elements
Chapter 5. Setup and Communication

Section II. Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study

Chapter 6. Radiographic Identification
Chapter 7. Airway Protection
Chapter 8. Reasoning in Evaluation
Chapter 9. Esophageal Visualization
Chapter 10. Time Management
Chapter 11. Review Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Images

Section III. Patient and Caregiver Considerations

Chapter 12. Patient Adverse Response
Chapter 13. Value Documentation
Chapter 14. Post–Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Caregiver Education

Section IV. Post-Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study 

Chapter 15. Results: Identification and Documentation
Chapter 16. Formulating Recommendations
Chapter 17. Documentation Report
Chapter 18. Medical Team Collaboration
Chapter 19. Alternative Nutrition and Hydration Support

Section V. Etiologies

Chapter 20. Neurological and Developmental Disorders
Chapter 21. Congenital and Other Heart Disease
Chapter 22. Aerodigestive Disease
Chapter 23. Disorders That Affect Oral, Nasal, or Pharyngeal Function
Chapter 24. Other Dysphagia Etiologies

Section VI. Speech-Language Pathologist Mental Health

Chapter 25. Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Speech-Language Pathologist Mental Health

Glossary
Index

Pediatric Videofluoroscopic Swallow Studies: Competency for Speech-Language Pathologists comes with access to supplementary teaching resources on a PluralPlus companion website.

The companion website is located at: https://www.pluralpublishing.com/publication/pvss

SUPPLEMENTARY RESOURCES:

The instructor resources include PowerPoint Slides and Test Bank.

To access the instructor resources, you must contact Plural Publishing, Inc. to be verified as an instructor and receive your access code.

            Email: instructormaterials@pluralpublishing.com

            Tel: 866-758-7251 (toll free) or 858-492-1555

*Note for students: If you have purchased this textbook used or have rented it, your access code will not work if it was already redeemed by the original buyer of the book. Plural Publishing does not offer replacement access codes for used or rented textbooks.