Julie Kobak

Are you frustrated with patient positioning during video fluoroscopy studies?

Ever wonder why some facilities seem to breeze through MBS studies while others struggle to get basic views? This week's episode might just change how you think about your fluoroscopy equipment forever.

We're thrilled to share our conversation with Julie Kobak, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS, a medical SLP with 30 years of experience who's revolutionizing how we think about patient positioning during instrumental assessments.

Here are some game-changing insights from this episode: 

Why proper positioning is crucial for diagnostic accuracy (and why you might be missing critical information) 

How to efficiently transition between lateral and AP views without compromising patient safety 

The surprising impact of chair features on esophageal screening success 

Practical strategies for advocating for better equipment in your facility

Plus, Julie shares her expert tips for building collaborative relationships with radiology teams and securing the resources you need for optimal patient care.

Ready to transform your MBS studies? Click here to listen!

Timestamps:
Challenges in Teaching Dysphagia (00:03:43)
Optimizing Patient Positioning (00:04:14)
Experience with Medical Positioning Inc. (00:05:08)
Challenges in Patient Positioning (00:06:12)
Surveying Other SLPs (00:08:20)
Published Literature Review (00:09:28)
Survey of Radiologists and SLPs (00:10:45)
Consensus on Standardized Protocols (00:12:04)
Esophageal Screening Importance (00:13:25)
Interdisciplinary Collaboration (00:14:35)
Recommendations for Modified Barium Swallow Studies (00:15:52)
Features of a Modified Barium Swallow Chair (00:17:09)
Patient Transfer Considerations (00:19:22)
Patient Transfer Techniques (00:21:23)
Chair Features and Adjustability (00:22:24)
Fluoroscopy Viewing Positions (00:23:40)
Radiolucent Chair Design (00:24:45)
Maneuverability and Safety (00:25:44)
Positioning Accessories (00:26:51)
Diagnostic Outcomes and Referrals (00:27:59)
Collaboration with Radiology (00:29:05)
Action Plans for Equipment Decisions (00:32:10)
Interprofessional Collaboration (00:36:08)
Training and Education (00:37:24)
Positive Team Attitude (00:39:34)
Standardization in Care (00:40:54)
Utilizing Resources in Education (00:41:22)
Free Access for Graduate Programs (00:42:27)
Resource Recommendations for Students (00:42:50)

Links:

Multiview MBS Chair

Martin-Harris B., Shaw Bonilha, H., Brodsky, M., Francis, D., Fynes, M., Martino, R., O’Rourke, A., Rogus-Pulia, N., Spinazzi, A., & Zarzour, J. (2021). The Modified Barium Swallow Study for Oropharyngeal Dysphagia: Recommendations from an Interdisciplinary Expert Panel. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, Vol 6, 610–619.