Improving patient access to videofluoroscopy services: Role of the practitioner-led clinic

Quality IssueAlthough costly and time consuming, videofluoroscopic swallowing (VFS) examinations are the gold standard for imaging of oro-pharyngeal dysphagia, and demand is likely to increase with an ageing population. Traditional radiologist-led VFS services in the UK are gradually being replaced by practitioner-led clinics undertaken jointly by speech and language therapists and radiographers. This article explores the impact on patient access of a practitioner-led VFS clinic at a large teaching hospital.Initial AssessmentSpecific information pertaining to VFS patient waiting times and service quality was collected for a twelve month period both pre- and post-clinic formation.Choice of SolutionAdditional capacity was achieved with the introduction of the practitioner-led clinic, with overall patient access improving by 111%. Mean waiting times for in-patients reduced by 75%, many of whom had the procedure on the same day as referral, with out-patients waiting times reducing by 62.5%.EvaluationThe data demonstrates that patient access and report turnaround times are significantly improved, with no adverse effects as measured by inadequate studies, incorrect reports, complaints and documented radiation dose levels.Lessons LearntPractitioner-led VFS services can be recommended as a safe and efficient method of improving service provision.