Hannah Alfredson-Cox Announces Advanced Speech and Language Technology at Froedtert South

WHY ARE WE EXCITED ABOUT FEES?

“Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital has an outstanding team of seven Speech Therapists working 365 days a year,” said Hannah. “We work closely with physical therapists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, intensivists, nursing staff, and pharmacists. We make daily rounds in the Intensive Care Unit. From patients that are having trouble swallowing their pills or food to patients with head or neck cancer or spinal cord injuries, swallow function is an ever-present concern. Silent aspiration, when food goes down the wrong tube and the body does not react, is a real danger. Now, we have an amazing tool to assess swallow function.”

Swallow function cannot be assessed simply by observing a patient. Specialized equipment is needed to see inside the neck and throat. Prior to FEES, video fluoroscopic swallow studies were commonly used. This test, which is essentially an X-ray video of the swallow, uses barium and has time limitations due to radiation exposure.

“Now, with FEES, there is no radiation exposure,” said Hannah. “A scope is inserted into the nasal passage through the nose and down the throat. Sensory receptors are bypassed to avoid sneezing or the gag reflex. FEES allows us to observe the swallow in real time for as long as necessary. The patient experiences no pain from the scope and can still talk during this process. We can objectively view the nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, and pharynx while the patient eats, drinks, and speaks. We can see phlegm, reflux, and the overall anatomy and quality of the tissues in the throat. The patient can sit in different positions while the scope is in place. We can actively view the patient eating specific problematic foods or textures. We can also teach swallow exercises so patients can see the impact in real time. Most importantly, FEES machines are mobile, allowing patients to stay in their rooms with family, caregivers, and physicians present without fear of being exposed to radiation.”

NEW TECHNOLOGY BENEFITS INPATIENTS AND OUTPATIENTS

Froedtert South is committed to excellence in patient care and chose to invest in two FEES machines. One FEES machine is located at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital for inpatient care, and the other is located at the Pleasant Prairie Clinic for outpatient care. The scopes themselves are single-use.

Hannah said, “Speech Therapists work with patients in every unit of the hospital, from the NICU to surgical. We see patients of all ages and abilities. Post-surgery or after prolonged ventilator support, patients may have difficulty swallowing. We are called upon to help patients with dementia, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), brain injuries, strokes, and many other diagnoses. We work closely with patients, families, and caregivers. We examine the muscles of the face and neck to assess which muscles may not be functioning properly. As Speech Therapists, our primary focus in the hospital is on swallowing. With the FEES mobile unit, critically ill patients do not need to be moved from their rooms or the ICU for testing. The FEES technology allows us to be thorough, effective, and timely with our assessments and strategies to help inpatients.”

The outpatient services are also significant. “The Speech and Language Pathology Services at the Pleasant Prairie Clinic serve outpatients from babies through geriatrics,” said Hannah. “We support patients with head and neck cancers throughout their entire journey- from diagnosis and treatment to recovery. We offer pediatric swallow studies right here at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital on an outpatient basis. Our incredible team provides the therapy necessary for patients to understand and produce language, navigate age-related changes, improve slurred speech, and so much more. The FEES technology enables us to be readily available for convenient outpatient testing with minimal wait times.”

Hannah said, “Working as a Speech and Language Pathologist at Froedtert South truly is my dream job. I am grateful to be part of this world-class team, providing excellent and compassionate care for this wonderful community. Please reach out to Speech and Language Pathology Services with your questions or concerns. We are here to help.”

For more information about Speech and Language Pathology Services or to schedule an appointment, contact 262-551-4990.