Abstract:
Purpose: To explore speech-language therapists’ (SLT) perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to implementation of a nationwide evidence-based guideline for videofluoroscopic study of swallowing in New Zealand. Method: A questionnaire was developed and administered online using a cross-sectional study design targeting SLT leaders and guideline auditors from 20 health authorities in New Zealand. A mixed-method approach to data analysis was implemented through descriptive statistics and qualitative description. Results: Eighteen SLT leaders and guideline auditors from 12 health authorities responded. Analysis revealed five facilitator categories: communication, documentation, education, evaluation, and resources, and five barrier categories: communication, change, leadership, resources, and time. When presented with a list of strategies and barriers, over 80% reported that changing their authority's VFSS standard operating procedures and having interactive small group sessions were effective facilitators. While over 60% reported time and financial constraints as barriers. Conclusions: This is the first study in New Zealand to report the perceptions of SLTs in implementing a nationwide evidence-based guideline. It highlights the perceived facilitators and barriers to guideline implementation for New Zealand SLTs. Future successful guideline implementation would benefit from the findings of this study.