Specific information regarding the Communication Sciences and Disorders' Acute Care Speech Language Pathology practicum led by Carley Evans MS CCC SLP. Carley is a medical speech pathologist at the Evelyn Trammell Institute for Voice and Swallowing of the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. If you are new to this practicum, start with the oldest post listed in Archive.

Friday, February 6, 2009

MBS Protocol

One of the issues in performing a modified barium swallow study with a radiologist is time-constraints.

The radiologist is generally attempting to perform the study as quickly and efficiently as possible. This, of course, should be our goal as well.

Arranging your presentation items is key to improving efficiency.

Sometimes, the radiologist will begin to "take over" your study if you are not fully in control. Try not to allow this to make you nervous.

As you (as a student) perform more and more MBSes, you will gain confidence and all will fall into place.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I graduated from MUSC in CSD in 2008 ... The "tug of war" that tends to occur in radiology during MBSS(s) is always interesting. For me an important piece to creating balance is to demonstrate to the radiologists competency with everything pharyngeal (if you will). I found that a good explanation of the patient's etiology,background, as well as what we are looking for is crucial. Doing this as a team and in front of the patient prior to the MBSS not only demonstrates our competency, but lays out a plan for all involved in the decision making. Also, having all our barium consistencies and tools laid out also helps :)

Carley said...

Bryan,

Yes, I agree that it is crucial to give the radiologist a heads-up as to what is going on with the patient.

Additionally, it is imperative to have everything ready and organized prior to the start of the test.

Who wants to be fumbling around in the semi-darkness anyway?