FEES (fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing) is an instrumental assessment of swallowing used by SLTs, in which a flexible nasendoscope (digital or fibreoptic) is inserted transnasally to directly visualise naso-/oro- and laryngopharyngeal structures, secretions, sensory response and pharyngeal swallow function.
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RCSLT FEES position paper
This position paper defines best practice for the use of the instrumental assessment FEES and sets out the knowledge, skills and training required to achieve competency and safe and quality care:
- Fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) position paper (PDF) – updated May 2021
The position paper should be read in conjunction with the RCSLT’s specific guidance for SLT-led endoscopic procedures in the context of COVID-19 (PDF).
RCSLT FEES competency framework and training logs
The competency framework and training logs are for SLTs working with patients with dysphagia who are referring for a fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) assessment and/or performing FEES.
Download it either as a Word document or a PDF:
This is a UK-wide document and is an adjunct to the RCSLT FEES position paper and RCSLT dysphagia competency framework.
Resources
Supervision and training
Resources for SLTs practising FEES
- Sample FEES consent form (Word)
- FEES: Aphasia friendly information leaflet/consent form (Word)
- FEES rating scales (Word)
Sample rating forms
- FEES report: NEFLT NHS Foundation trust (Word)
- FEES sample rating form (Word)
- FEES sample rating form: Charing Cross Hospital, ICHT (Imperial College Healthcare Trust) (Word)
- Laryngectomy endoscopic evaluation of prosthesis and swallow report: ICHT (Word)
- Cough assist report: Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester Foundation NHS Trust (PDF)
- Speech Voice & Swallowing FEES Report: Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester Foundation NHS Trust (PDF)
- Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation (MI-E) Visualisation report: Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester Foundation NHS Trust (Word)
Other resources
- FEES protocol (Word)
- FEES equipment list (Word)
- FEES suitability and safety checklist (Word)
- Indications for selecting FEES and videofluoroscopy (Word)
- FEES patient information (Word)
Please contact us if you have any suggestions or feedback on these pages.
