Improving swallowing assessments and sharing expertise in Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapists at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) are introducing new barium products for swallowing assessments while fostering knowledge-sharing across the department through OT Grand Rounds.

The new products are used in modified barium swallow studies to help clinicians assess patients with dysphagia, or swallowing difficulties. During a videofluoroscopy exam, real-time X-ray imaging allows clinicians to observe how a patient swallows. The patient consumes foods and liquids mixed with barium, which makes it possible to track their movement through the mouth and throat and determine whether any enters the airway instead of the oesophagus.

“An X-ray will easily see barium with much less concentration,” explains Kashif, manager of Adult Occupational Therapy at the MUHC. “We want to use the least concentrated barium possible.”

It’s a balancing act: enough barium is needed for clear imaging, but minimizing the amount is important, particularly for patients who are ill or have weakened immune systems, as aspirated barium can cause respiratory complications.

The newer products offer a range of textures while maintaining image quality with lower concentrations of barium. They also come ready to use, reducing preparation time and potentially shortening examinations. Occupational Therapists and Speech-Language Pathologists are working together to integrate the products into clinical practice and update their protocols.

“We’re really excited about it,” says Kashif. “A multitude of patients will benefit.”

OT Grand Rounds

Launched in 2024, OT Grand Rounds bring together adult occupational therapists from across MUHC sites, including those working in physical medicine and mental health. The initiative creates opportunities to share knowledge gained through institutional education, external training and clinical experience.

“People look forward to it. They’re interested in the combination of subjects,” says Kashif, noting that approximately 80 per cent of his team attends.

Bianca Abbatte, an occupational therapist at the Montreal General Hospital (MGH) Hand Centre and coordinator of OT Grand Rounds, took over the initiative from a colleague who originally developed it. Sessions cover clinical topics, research, policy updates and new technologies. Virtual attendance makes it possible for staff across sites to participate, and most presentations are recorded for later viewing.

“The context feels fairly informal because it’s with our peers and it’s in the spirit of sharing,” says Bianca. “I really see value in it. It’s very interesting to see my colleagues and what they’ve done!”

October is Occupational Therapy Month and we are grateful for our awesome OTs!