Why Presence Isn’t the Only Measure of Partnership
At Patheous Health, we deeply value the expertise and insight Speech-Language Pathologists bring to every swallow study. Their understanding of a patient’s history, therapy goals, and day-to-day progress adds invaluable context to each evaluation. Yet one of the most common questions we receive is:
“Does the facility SLP have to be present with the Patheous SLP for the swallow study?”
The answer is simple—no, they don’t.
The Priority: Timely Patient Care
When a patient is referred for an instrumental swallow study, the most important factor is timing. Every day that passes without a clear assessment delays treatment, prolongs modified diets, and increases risk.
That’s why our model allows any trained member of the facility’s care team to assist the Patheous SLP during a study—nursing, therapy assistants, dietary staff, or other designated team members. What matters most is that the patient is seen as soon as possible to influence outcomes and guide safe, efficient care.
Collaboration, Redefined
At Patheous Health, we define collaboration as more than being in the same room—it’s about communication, partnership, and shared purpose.
We see ourselves as an extension of the SLP team, not a replacement. When an SLP can’t be present, they remain an integral part of the process through:
- Pre-study coordination — sharing background, goals, and recent progress.
- Post-study consultation — reviewing results, aligning on recommendations, and integrating findings into therapy.
- Direct access — calling our clinicians anytime to discuss results or clinical impressions.
This approach keeps the SLP connected while expanding opportunities for others to observe, learn, support, and contribute to improved dysphagia care.
Continuity Without Compromise
Some SLPs express concern that if they aren’t present during the study, they can’t immediately implement recommendations or ensure seamless follow-up. That hesitation is understandable — it comes from deep professional commitment to their patients.
At Patheous Health, we help turn that concern into confidence.
Timeliness is treatment. Every day we wait to evaluate a patient is another day they may remain on an unnecessarily restrictive diet or at risk for aspiration. When we perform the study promptly, we shorten the time between concern and intervention — giving the SLP the evidence they need to act faster, not later.
Real-time communication replaces physical presence. Our clinicians are immediately available for discussion following the study, so the SLP can review results, clarify impressions, and plan therapy the same day.
Documentation designed for action. Our reports outline recommendations, strategies, and therapy targets that translate directly into the SLP’s treatment plan — empowering them to move forward confidently, even if they weren’t physically present.
Protecting the SLP’s role. We emphasize to every facility that the diagnostic study supports — not replaces — the SLP’s ongoing care. Implementation and therapy remain under their clinical direction.
In this way, collaboration through Patheous Health means continuity without compromise: faster diagnostics, stronger communication, and full respect for the SLP’s leadership in patient care.
A Learning Opportunity for the Entire Team
When other members of the facility participate in the study, it shines a light on the SLP’s essential role and broadens awareness of dysphagia management. Nurses, CNAs, and dietary staff often walk away with a better understanding of what the SLP does—and why their expertise matters so deeply.
It’s an opportunity to elevate awareness and build facility-wide appreciation for the work speech therapists do every day.
Productivity and Patient Flow
It’s also important to note that SLP productivity is not impacted when they are not present for the study. The instrumental evaluation and therapy are two separate patient encounters, allowing SLPs to maintain their normal therapy schedules—often seeing the same patient later that day for follow-up care.
This structure supports continuity, efficiency, and better patient flow without adding administrative burden or lost units.
The Patheous Approach
True collaboration in dysphagia care means working together in real time—whether side by side or across care settings. Our goal is to make sure every patient receives the right study, at the right time, with the right communication surrounding it.
When the care team acts quickly and stays connected, everyone wins—especially the patient.
At Patheous Health, we’re proud to partner with SLPs and interdisciplinary teams nationwide to elevate dysphagia management through timely access, strong communication, and clinical excellence.
Patheous Health
Your Partner in Dysphagia Healthcare
Timely. Collaborative. Comprehensive.
Learn more about our collaborative dysphagia model and outcomes-based approach.
