Training for videofluoroscopic swallowing analysis: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Medical imaging analysis
• Clinical diagnostics
• Healthcare professional training

Background:

• Videofluoroscopic (VFSS) and barium swallow studies are crucial diagnostic tools.
• Standardized training is essential for accurate interpretation of these studies.
• Current training methodologies exhibit significant variability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize evidence on best practices for training videofluoroscopy and barium swallow analysts.
• To identify effective training approaches for clinicians and students interpreting VFSS and barium swallow studies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Data extracted from nine databases, including English-language studies on training methods.
• Narrative review due to methodological heterogeneity; meta-analysis not feasible.

Main Results:

• Sixteen studies met eligibility criteria.
• Low-quality evidence (NHMRC Level IV) indicated consistent improvement in VFSS analysis accuracy and reliability with training.
• No studies reported outcomes for barium swallow analysis training.

Conclusions:

• Training demonstrably enhances the accuracy and reliability of videofluoroscopic swallowing study interpretation.
• Further research is required to define optimal, cost-effective training strategies for VFSS and barium swallow analysis.
• Establishing best practices will lead to more accurate diagnosticians.