Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Training for Radiologists-in-Training: A Survey of Practice and Training Needs

Background: There is a lack of formal, published videofluoroscopic swallow study training targeting radiologists outside of the United States of America, yet radiology senior medical officers and resident medical officers (i.e., radiologists-in-training, known in Australia as “registrars”) are expected to be involved in videofluoroscopic swallow study interpretation of anatomical anomalies and reporting. This study investigated whether videofluoroscopic swallow study training is delivered to registrars during their specialist radiology training, whether it is a perceived need and, if so, to determine the desired content for inclusion in a targeted training package. Methods: : A cross-sectional, mixed methods study design was used. An internet-based survey was circulated via snowball sampling to radiologists (both senior medical officers and registrars) and speech-language pathologists across Australia in October-November 2017. Surveys also were distributed to practitioners based in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, as they practised within similar health systems. The radiology survey contained 36 questions and the speech-language pathology survey contained 44 questions. Demographic data were analysed descriptively, and open-ended responses were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: 21 radiology senior medical officers and registrars and 150 speech-language pathologists predominantly based at Australian tertiary hospital settings completed the survey. Most respondents (90.6%) identified that videofluoroscopic swallow study training is needed for radiology registrars. Only one speech-language pathologist respondent reported that they deliver videofluoroscopic swallow study training for radiology registrars. Specific content and teaching modalities for a videofluoroscopic swallow study training package, including diagnosing anatomical anomalies associated with dysphagia were recommended. Conclusions: : The radiologists and speech-language pathologists identified that targeted videofluoroscopic swallow study training is needed for radiology registrars to improve their effectiveness and engagement in videofluoroscopic swallow study clinics. This information will inform the development of a videofluoroscopic swallow study training package targeting radiology registrars to be piloted at an Australian tertiary hospital.